the only pool league endorsed by jeanette...

Revised 4/14

The only pool league endorsed byHall of Famer

“The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee

Calendar

January SPRING SESSION BEGINS

APA 8-Ball Classic and APA 9-Ball Shootout Season 1 Qualifying Window Opens (Qualifiers Advance to Fall Regionals)

February APA 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout Spring Regionals(Select Sites)

March APA 8-Ball Classic and 9-Ball Shootout Spring Regionals

April U.S. Amateur Championship® Entry Window Opens

April/May APA National Singles ChampionshipsRiviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

June SUMMER SESSION BEGINS

U.S. Amateur Championship® Entry Window Closes

APA 8-Ball Classic and APA 9-Ball Shootout Season 1 Qualifying Window Closes (Qualifiers Advance to Fall Regionals)

APA 8-Ball Classic and APA 9-Ball Shootout Season 2 Qualifying Window Opens (Qualifiers Advance to Spring Regionals)

August APA National Team ChampionshipsRiviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

September FALL SESSION BEGINS

U.S. Amateur Preliminary Rounds

October APA 8-Ball Classic and APA 9-Ball Shootout Fall Regionals

November U.S. Amateur Championship®

APA 8-Ball Classic and APA 9-Ball Shootout Season 2 Qualifying Window Closes (Qualifiers Advance to Spring Regionals)

December Renew Your APA Membership!

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The contents of this Team Manual are the exclusive property of the American Poolplayers Association, Inc.© American Poolplayers Association, Inc. 1982, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014. All Rights Reserved.

Foreword

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Every team member should read and become familiar with thismanual. Keep the Team Manual with your team at all times.Make sure it stays with the team from session to session. By

participating in the League, every member agrees to abide by therules set forth in this Team Manual.

In the United States we do business as the American PoolplayersAssociation (APA) and in Canada we operate as the CanadianPoolplayers Association (CPA). This Manual applies to both APAand CPA League play. (For simplicity, references to “APA” in thisManual also mean CPA.)

With the exception of those situations specifically dealing with theLadies format, all gender references are in the masculine, i.e., his, he,him. Obviously, ladies make up a significant portion of the sport’sparticipants and are invited and welcome at all times.

The APA realizes that some of the rules in this manual may be new to you and does not imply these are the only rules. On theother hand, these rules were assembled by a committee of well-traveled professional players. The professionals use these rules whenthey play 8-Ball and 9-Ball, and these are the rules most commonlyused in North America during competition.

Relax, enjoy yourself and play within the Spirit of the Rules as wellas the written rule. It is impossible to cover every situation 100%with rules. Common sense must prevail. Teams that try to gainadvantage by creating their own interpretations are subject tosportsmanship violations. Win at the table and not from the chair is agenerality that promotes harmony, camaraderie and good times.That’s what this League is all about.

To help make your evening of League play enjoyable, as well asenhance the enjoyment of those around you, please observebasic guidelines of etiquette. Treat your opponent as you

would like to be treated. Pay attention to your match; be ready toshoot when it is your turn so you don’t slow down the match. If youare expected to play the next match, have your cue ready, haveenough quarters for the table, if needed, and begin your match assoon as the previous match is over. Limit coaching to one minute.Cheering for your teammate is part of the fun, but don’t cheer againstyour opponent. A fun and competitive evening of League play is agoal that can be achieved by observing these guidelines anddisplaying good sportsmanship.

Etiquette

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TIME GUIDELINES FOR 8-BALL MATCHESTotal Games Must Win Match Time Average Game

4 – 6 45 minutes 10 minutes7 – 10 60 minutes 8 minutes

TIME GUIDELINES FOR 9-BALL MATCHESMatch Time 40-60 minutes

TIME GUIDELINES FOR MASTERSRace to Match Time Average Game

7 60 minutes 8 minutes

ADDITIONAL TIME GUIDELINESEach 8-Ball Team Match 4 HoursEach 9-Ball Team Match 3 Hours

Each New Player Selection 2 minute limitEach Coaching 1 minute limitAverage Shot 20 seconds

Special Shooting Situation 45 seconds (maximum)

CAN PLAY ON ONLY ONE TEAM PER DIVISION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33CAN PLAY ONLY ONCE IN A MATCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34TEAMS CANNOT CHANGE HOME LOCATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34ASSIGNMENT OF SKILL LEVELS TO SOME PLAYERS . . . . . . . . . . 34UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE SHOTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34KEEP SCORE PROPERLY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35A CAUTION AGAINST HANDICAP MANIPULATION. . . . . . . . . . . 36LOWEST ATTAINABLE RULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37NATIONAL LOWEST ATTAINABLE RULE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3723-RULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37SESSION PLAYOFFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39PROFESSIONAL STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43SPORTSMANSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44APA IS HIGHEST AUTHORITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44APPEALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

8-BALL GAME RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46GENERAL DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46LAGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46RACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46BREAKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46AFTER THE BREAK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47COMBINATION SHOTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49BALLS ON THE FLOOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49POCKETED BALLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49ONE FOOT ON THE FLOOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50MARKING THE TABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50FOULS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50HOW YOU COULD LOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53HOW TO WIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

THE EQUALIZER®HANDICAP SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55HOW HANDICAPS ARE DETERMINED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55HOW TO GET STARTED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56ONCE SKILL LEVELS ARE ESTABLISHED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56HOW TO USE THE CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

HOW TO KEEP SCORE IN 8-BALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Table of Contents

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INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5ETIQUETTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

THE LEAGUE STRUCTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12THE APA, CPA & JPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12THE LEAGUE OPERATOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12BASIC TEAM LEAGUE ORGANIZATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12THE TEAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12THE TEAM CAPTAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13THE DIVISION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13THE DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14THE HANDICAP ADVISORY COMMITTEE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16SCHEDULING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17SCORING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17TROPHIES AND AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17LOCAL BYLAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17OTHER FORMATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18OTHER LEAGUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GENERAL RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23AGE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23BYES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23FORFEITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24PROTESTS AND DISPUTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25CONCERNING TEAMS THAT DROP OUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27ORDER OF PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28WHO PAYS FOR THE GAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28SPLITTING MATCHES (for lengthy matches) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28COACHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29ADDING/DROPPING PLAYERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30CLOSING TEAM ROSTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31EVERY PLAYER MUST BE A CURRENT APA MEMBER . . . . . . . . . . 32NEW PLAYERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33CONCERNING RENEWALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33CANNOT CHANGE TEAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Table of Contents

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THE 9-BALL LEAGUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63GENERAL 9-BALL RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63PLAYOFFS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64GAME RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65THE EQUALIZER® HANDICAP SYSTEM FOR 9-BALL . . . . . . . . . . 69HOW TO KEEP SCORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

OTHER APA FORMATS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75JUNIOR DIVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75LADIES DIVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76MASTERS DIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78SUPER DIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 793-PERSON TEAM DIVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

CONDUCT DURING LEAGUE PLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

HIGHER LEVEL TOURNAMENT ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION AND RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

AREA ELIGIBILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97TABLE DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102PREVIOUS WINNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Table of Contents

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Scan to access a digital versionof the OfficialTeam Manual.

The Team Captain - The Team Captain is an essential part of the team and holdsan important position. The Team Captain is the first person listed on the teamroster. He helps with distribution of League information and bulletins and postsinformation at his home location. The Team Captain must also collectmembership dues and forward them to Local League Management on a timelybasis. He is responsible for having his team at the appointed place on time. Heensures that all rules concerning etiquette, sportsmanship and eligibility areobserved. He makes sure proper scorekeeping procedures are followed. The TeamCaptain must have a phone. He represents the team and all communication withLocal League Management is handled through the Team Captain. A team mayelect a new Team Captain by a simple majority vote at any time. Local LeagueManagement must be notified immediately if a new Team Captain is elected.

The Division - A division consists of a number of teams (from 6 to 16) competingwith each other in a set schedule. In some instances a division may start with onlyfour teams, although a six-team division is the smallest division recommended.

The Division Representative - The APA recommends there be a DivisionRepresentative for every division in the League. The Division Representative(DR) may either be elected by the teams in his division or appointed by theLeague Operator. He is a person of integrity and is consistently active in theLeague. The DR is a member in good standing and enjoys the involvement thisposition offers. He helps make sure bulletins and other League information andmaterials get distributed to, and are understood by, the Team Captains in hisdivision(s). He helps improve the League by passing information between theplayers and the Local League Office. He may also assist League Managementwith the Local Championships and other special events. The DR may serve onthe Board of Governors. He is knowledgeable concerning League affairs and maybe consulted by other members in the League. Consulted is the key word herebecause the DR does not have the authority to make rulings as an individual.However, it is a logical choice to call your DR if you have a protest or dispute—hemay be able to help solve it. Remember, the DR has no more authority than anyother member to make rulings unless he is acting as a member of the Board ofGovernors, and then only during an actual meeting of the Board. Remember, also,that his advice and interpretations are generally correct.

The League Structure

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SECTION 1

The League StructureTHE APA, CPA & JPAThe APA was founded by two touring professionals, Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart.Their goal was to organize the sport of pool on the amateur level and to encouragethe growth of the game. Since its inception in 1979 the APA has becomerecognized as The Governing Body of Amateur Pool. In 1989, the APA expanded toCanada, where we operate as the CPA. In 2007, the APA expanded to Japan,where we operate as the JPA. Most importantly, thanks to you, the League is over a quarter million members strong and still growing.

THE LEAGUE OPERATORThe APA operates the League through a network of independent entrepreneurscalled League Operators (LOs). In this manual, League Operator, Local LeagueOffice, Local League Officials, and Local League Management all mean the samething. The League Operator is a professional administrator. The LO has fullauthority to make rulings concerning all aspects of the League. Please be awarethat the APA stays in close contact with all LOs, keeps them up-to-date with allthe latest developments and makes rulings on questions they may have. Becauseyour League Operator is a trained professional, you can be confident the schedules,standings, handicap system, special events and all other League affairs will behandled promptly and accurately. Only an APA authorized League Operator mayadminister the League. Your League Operator may hire assistants and/orrepresentatives to improve service to you.

BASIC TEAM LEAGUE ORGANIZATIONThe Team - A team consists of a minimum of five players, although it is wise tohave at least seven, and a maximum of eight. All team members bear theresponsibility of verifying their teammates are APA members of legal age and areplaying at skill levels that reflect their true ability. Each team will have a captain.


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MEMBERSHIP BENEFITSThe American Poolplayers Association is the largest pocket billiards organization in the history of the sport. As a member of the APA, you will receive the best benefits ever made available to the amateur poolplayer. Some of them are as follows:

• Play wherever the League is active—almost every state.

• An official membership card.

• A membership benefits package mailed directly to your home.

• The American Poolplayer magazine—containing articles on the sport, tips from the pros, trick shots, and more—mailed directly to your home.

• Special member discounts on a variety of goods and services.

Transferability - Your membership is transferable to wherever an APA sanctionedLeague exists. There is no transfer fee. Upon arrival at your new home, simplynotify Local League Management and ask them to contact your previous LeagueOperator to transfer your records. If there is no APA sanctioned League at yournew home, call the APA; every effort will be made to get one started. When youtransfer to a new area, you must enter with your last skill level from your previousarea. Memberships are nonrefundable and are not transferable from one person to another.

FEESAnnual APA Membership Dues - You must be a current member of the APA inorder to participate in any APA event. Some events take place over a period ofmany months and current membership must be maintained in order to continueand remain eligible. Until further notice, your annual APA dues are $25 U.S. (inCanada $25 Can. plus applicable taxes). Annual memberships expire December 31.If you join after August 15, the annual membership dues will be prorated as follows:


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The Board of Governors - The APA recommends that a Board of Governors(BOG) exists in each League area to hear and rule on protests and disputes. Inlarger areas, a number of Boards may exist. A Board of Governors generallyconsists of a number of Division Representatives.

The business conducted by the BOG will normally concern protests, disputes,sportsmanship violations and other similar issues. The BOG, in addition tosettling such issues, may also hand down penalties. Penalties may vary from loss ofone point to a number of points. Penalties can include loss of eligibility, fines, orsuspension of membership. The League Operator represents a higher authoritythan the BOG, but the APA has asked League Operators to uphold the findingsof the BOG unless they are in violation of APA League rules or policies. TheBOG may not conduct meetings without approval from Local Management. It isessential for the members of the Board to understand that the Board is there toassist the League Operator—not to monitor, criticize, or supervise. Members whocannot accept their role as just described may be removed from the Board.

The existence of a Board of Governors in your area is the best way to ensure thevarious situations that can and do occur get resolved as fairly as possible. Pleaseaccept their rulings and support your Board of Governors at all times.

The Handicap Advisory Committee - The League Operator may find it useful toestablish a committee—Handicap Advisory Committee (HAC)—to assist himwith handicap review. The HAC, if one exists, will normally consist of a numberof highly skilled members who are familiar with APA League play. Certainmembers of the BOG may also be on the HAC. HAC members may be knownto the membership or their identities may be kept confidential. Your HACmembers are your friends unless you are an offender. The functions of the HACmay include reviewing new members and making recommendations concerningthe assignment of skill levels to known highly skilled players. The HAC may helpreview the skill levels of all area players entering Higher Level Tournaments. TheHAC may also periodically review the skill levels of players and help make rulingson protests concerning handicap and sandbagging violations.

Just as with the BOG, the League Operator is the final authority.


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SCHEDULINGThe APA has made a number of schedules available to your League Operator.Not only can the number of teams vary, but also the length of the sessions.

SCORINGMatches are played head-to-head: one team member plays a designated opponentfrom the other team. There are five individual matches played in each team match.In 8-Ball, every individual match is worth up to three points. A team can win amaximum of 15 points in a team match. The points are totaled over the course of a session. The teams with the most points are entitled to compete in post-seasonplay, discussed later in this manual. The team with the most points is not thewinner, but is seeded in the Playoffs.

TROPHIES AND AWARDSTrophies, plaques or appropriate awards may be awarded to each individual on theDivision Championship Team each session. Remember, the Division Champion isthe team that wins the Playoffs, not the team with the most points at the end ofthe regular session.

In some areas, a team trophy may be awarded and kept on display at the HostLocation. Annual or seasonal awards may also be given in other categories, suchas, most valuable player, most improved player, sportsmanship, and so forth.

LOCAL BYLAWSThis Team Manual covers many of the situations that can and will occur duringLeague play. There are still some subjects that are covered by Local Bylaws, adocument put together by your League Operator and/or Board of Governors. TheLocal Bylaws include subjects, such as, the procedure for dropping off and pickingup scoresheets, penalties for late scoresheets, procedures for registering teams forthe next session, specific penalties for a number of disruptive violations, morespecific information concerning etiquette and sportsmanship, procedures to befollowed by your Board of Governors, awards policy, and inclement weather policy, just to name a few. Make sure you are familiar with the Local Bylaws for your area.


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• After August 15, you still pay $25 to join, but you are able to renew for only$15 the following year.

• If you are entitled to a $15 renewal you must renew no later than March 1 orthe first night you play in a Spring Session, whichever occurs first. AfterMarch 1, only full $25 memberships are accepted.

Please give your membership dues and your APA application or renewal notice toyour Local League Management who will forward them to the APA. Please allowsix weeks for delivery of your membership card and other membership materials.

IMPORTANT — Make sure you fill out your membership applicationcompletely or correct any errors on the renewal notice. Some of yourmembership items will be mailed directly to your home address. If the APA doesnot have a complete and accurate address, you may not receive all of yourbenefits. Neither the APA nor your League Operator can be responsible formaking them available at a later time.

Weekly Fee - Teams pay a weekly fee to participate in League activity. The actualamount charged in your area may vary, as is determined by your Local LeagueOperator. The entire weekly fee is due regardless of how many players are on theroster or how many players played during the match.

Cash or Check? - The APA urges teams to make all League payments by check ormoney order. Local League Management cannot assume responsibility for cash.

CALENDARThere are three sessions during a League year, beginning with the Summer,followed by the Fall, and ending with the Spring Session, followed by the TeamChampionships.


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• The Local Level - For the convenience ofthe general membership, the first few roundsof the Team Championships are conductedlocally. This Local Level of the TeamChampionships (called a variety of names,such as: Local Team Championship, Tri-Counties Championship, “Your City” MetroChampionship, etc.) is normally held in lateMay or early June of each year. Any teamthat wins a divisional title for any sessionduring the current League year is eligible, provided eligibility requirements aremet. Should a team repeat as division winner during the same League year,the second place team will be granted eligibility. If there are ten divisionsplaying three sessions a year and they all play year-round, then there would be30 teams eligible. In large League areas there may be Tri-Cups, QualifierCups, etc. to determine who advances. If this applies to your area it will beexplained in the Local Bylaws.

The number of teams advanced from your area is based upon the total numberof teams in your area. The more teams participating in your area, the moreteams advance to the National Level. Thus, it is just as easy to advance froman area with 500 teams as it is to advance from an area with 100 teams.

• The National Level - Each year, approximately 60 days after the Local Levelhas been completed, the APA will conduct the National Level of the TeamChampionships. Every team that makes it to the National Level is already inthe money. Exact prize money breakdown, precise tournament dates and sites,and other information is available through poolplayers.com, The AmericanPoolplayer magazine, prominently displayed posters at League sites, or bycontacting Local League Management or the APA.

Singles Championships - The APA conducts two National SinglesChampionships each year—the 8-Ball Classic and the 9-Ball Shootout. The 8-Ball Classic tournament is open only to current League members on an active 8-Ball team with at least 10 actual 8-Ball League match scores, and all 10 scoresmust have occurred within the last two years. The 9-Ball Shootout tournament isopen only to current League members on an active 9-Ball team with at least 10actual 9-Ball League match scores, and all 10 scores must have occurred within


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OTHER FORMATSIn addition to the basic 8-Ball and 9-Ball team formats, the APA sanctions otherformats such as Junior Divisions, Super Divisions, 3-Person Team Divisions,Ladies Divisions and Masters Divisions. Check with your Local League Office for information on the availability of these other formats in your area.

OTHER LEAGUESIn addition to the 8-Ball League, the APA sanctions a 9-Ball League. Check withyour Local League Office for information on the availability of the 9-Ball Leaguein your area.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPSThe APA offers four national championships—the basic 5-Person teamchampionship and the singles championship in 8-Ball and—the basic 5-Personteam championship and the singles championship in 9-Ball. A local League areamust meet certain minimum team counts (see Higher Level Tournament Section)in order to qualify to send a team or a player to the championships. In the future,the APA may offer national championships in other formats.

Team Championships - The 8-Ball and 9-Ball Team Championships, open toboth gentlemen and ladies, comprise the National Team Championships. Eachyear, in each division, a team will be crowned the Team Champion. With theexception of a few rules pertaining to eligibility, the general rules, game rules, andthe handicap system you use all year long are used in every round of the TeamChampionships. The Team Championships consist of two levels: the Local Leveland the National Level. The Team Championships begin as soon as possible afterthe Spring Session finishes. Remember, the League calendar begins with theSummer Session and finishes with the Spring Session, meaning the League yearbegins in June and finishes the following May. Because the Team Championshipsconsist of two levels, and because of the time required for the players to secure thebest and least expensive travel arrangements, there will usually be about 60 daysbetween the Local Level and the National Level.


18

DivisionChampions

advance to theLocal Levelof the Team

Championships.

Eligibility information for the 8-Ball Classic and the 9-Ball Shootout isexplained in detail on the entry form portion of the tournament board used forLocal Qualifiers. If you or your teammates want to enter and are not receivinginformation concerning Local Qualifiers, contact your Local League Office.

• The Regional Level - The next few rounds of the 8-Ball Classic and the 9-Ball Shootout are conducted at a number of regional sites throughout thecountry. Participants have the opportunity to advance to the National Levelwhile being seeded with players at or near their own skill level. Most of theRegionals advance quite a few players to the National Level, thus all skill levelsare usually represented at the National Level. Plaques are awarded to those who advance. Regionals are usually conducted during October and March.

• The National Level - Approximately 6-8 weeks after the March Regionalevents, the APA conducts the final rounds of the 8-Ball Classic and the 9-BallShootout.

Every participant plays for a combination of prize money and merchandise,and enjoys excellent playing conditions and paid accommodations. Look foradditional details on poolplayers.com.


21

the last two years. Players enter with their present skill level for the event in which they are participating. The game rules are the same as those used duringregular session play. For the convenience of all members, the 8-Ball Classic andthe 9-Ball Shootout are divided into three levels: the Local Level, the RegionalLevel, and the National Level. The format at the Local Level is generally singleelimination and at the Regional and National Levels, modified single elimination.At the Regional and National Levels there are five tiers in the 8-Ball Classic and three tiers in the 9-Ball Shootout. The 8-Ball Classic consists of the Blue Tier (SL2s and SL3s), the Yellow Tier (SL4s), the Red Tier (SL5s), theOrange Tier (SL6s), and the Purple Tier (SL7s). The 9-Ball Shootout consists ofthe Green Tier (SL1s, SL2s and SL3s), the White Tier (SL4s and SL5s), and theBlack Tier (SL6s, SL7s, SL8s and SL9s). Winners from each tier advance from the Regional Level to the National Level. At the National Level there will be five champions (one from each tier) in the 8-Ball Classic and three champions (one from each tier) in the 9-Ball Shootout. There is a minimum entryfee at the Local Level; after you qualify, there are no additional entry fees at theRegional or National Levels. More information concerning the 8-Ball Classic andthe 9-Ball Shootout is available through poolplayers.com, The American Poolplayermagazine, League posters, Local League Management or the APA.

• The Local Level or Local Qualifier - The Local Level consists of anynumber of Local Qualifier tournaments or Boards that take place within thedesignated qualifying window. Contact your Local League Office for specifictimes to qualify in your area. The winner of each Local Qualifier is qualifiedto advance to the Regional Level. Since there are only eight players in a LocalQualifier and the Local Qualifiers generally take place in a single afternoon orevening, this means you are an instant winner after winning only threematches.

Players of all abilities have an excellent opportunity to win a Local Qualifierbecause the Host Location or Tournament Director may designate the LocalQualifiers for certain skill levels only. Some Local Qualifiers may be open toeveryone, while other Local Qualifiers might be open to SL2s and SL3s only.This virtually guarantees that players of all abilities will advance to theRegional tournaments. Local Qualifiers may also be conducted for gentlemenonly, ladies only, or open (meaning any combination of gentlemen and ladies).


20

SECTION 2

General RulesThe general rules are those rules that govern regular weekly play. These rulescover many of the possible situations that inevitably occur during regular weeklyplay, except those pertaining to the game rules. Game rules are covered later in thismanual. Areas covered here include: forfeits, protest and dispute procedures, graceperiod, membership requirements, how matches are started, who pays for thetables, sportsmanship issues and many more.

All the rules in this section are the Official APA Rules. They are the result of yearsof accumulated experience and input from players, Boards and League Operators.Fairness to players of all abilities was the prime consideration for adoption orrejection of a rule or procedure. In consultation with the APA some variances maybe allowed, but such variances must be approved by the APA and included in yourLocal Bylaws to avoid confusion. The general rules are as follows:

1. NO GAMBLING

2. AGE REQUIREMENTSYou must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Some League areas may berestricted to 21 years of age as State, Province and Local Laws require. Checkyour Local Bylaws for age requirements in your APA area. Teams playingunderage players may face penalties. Exception: Junior Leagues, if available,have no minimum age restriction except where local ordinances apply.

3. BYESSome divisions may start with a bye (a bye is a missing team), or a bye mayappear in a division because a team dropped out. Concerning scheduling and byes:

a. If a division begins with a bye, League Management has up to the fourthweek of play to fill the slot, and make-up matches may be scheduled.

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2322

e. If your opponent does not have a player present for the next individualmatch, then two forfeit points are awarded to your team. These points areawarded only if your team has a player present for the match in question.In the event neither team can field a player for the match, the points willnot be awarded to either team. For example, if one team can field fourplayers and the opposing team can only field three players, only twoforfeit points are awarded. The name of the player present, his teamnumber and his player number must be written down on the scoresheetand forfeit written in place of the opponent’s name. The player chosen toreceive the forfeit points must not cause the team to violate the 23-Rule.

f. If a team finds it necessary to forfeit, the forfeit(s) must be the lastmatch(es).

Example: If a team knows they will only have four players available for amatch, they cannot forfeit the second match because the opposing teamput up their best player. Besides, there is always a chance the fifth playermight show up.

g. Both teams must still pay full weekly fees.

h. Deliberate forfeits will not be tolerated. If the League Operator/Boardof Governors is satisfied that the receiving team conspired to receivedeliberate forfeit points, then the points would not be counted.Depending upon the situation and evidence, either or both teams wouldbe subject to other penalties.

5. PROTESTS AND DISPUTESIn general, all protests, disputes and complaints to Local League Managementmust be made by your Team Captain. Make sure you go through your TeamCaptain. Penalty points may be assessed to teams who disrupt Leagueoperation by making pointless protest calls to the League Operator or theLocal League Office. Most protests and disputes should be settledimmediately through compromise, common sense, and by referring to thismanual. Your Local League Office will publish its hours of operation(typically 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday) and may be unavailable

General Rules

25

b. If a team drops out of a division, causing a bye to exist, LeagueManagement has two weeks to fill the slot. The incoming team willassume the points of the team that dropped out.

c. There will never be two byes in a schedule because a new schedule will be issued.

Example: If a second bye should appear in a 10-teamschedule, League Management will issue an 8-teamschedule with no byes. The new schedule may causeteams to have a different home and away pattern anddifferent match-ups with other teams in the division,so be alert to this possibility.

d. How byes are scored - Assuming no replacement teamis found, eight points will be awarded for all byes.

4. FORFEITS

a. A team match will result in a forfeit if your player is not at the table andready to begin within 15 minutes of the appointed time. Real Time, asopposed to Bar Time, is the official League time. Individual forfeits willbe worth two points during regular league play and three points inplayoffs/Higher Level Tournaments.

b. Where new teams or new divisions are involved, there shall be someleniency. You joined to play—not to receive forfeits. Occasionally a newteam misreads or misunderstands the schedule.

c. A team may begin play with one player present. Upon completion ofeach individual match, the team must have another player available forplay or the remaining match(es) will be forfeited. In other words, PLAYMUST BE CONTINUOUS ONCE BEGUN.

d. If both Team Captains agree, a team match may be rescheduled for adifferent time (forfeit rule not in effect). The League Operator must benotified and give approval. All makeup matches must be played usingcurrent skill levels.

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8 pointswill be

awardedfor allbyes.

careful with the shot. It is usually easy to see when your opponent isgoing to face a close situation. Your opponent is required to stop if youwant the shot watched.

c. Once both teams have agreed to replay a game, no protest may be filedat a later time concerning the game issues. You cannot agree to asituation with the idea that if you win, it’s okay; and if you lose, you aregoing to protest anyway.

d. In the event the Team Captains cannot settle the dispute, they will bothsubmit a written protest to the League Operator. This protest willdescribe the circumstances involved and will be submitted along with a$25 protest fee from each team. The League Operator may rule on theprotest/dispute or may pass it along to the Board of Governors. Thedecision of the League Operator or the Board is final and the loser ofthe protest will forfeit their $25. The winner is reimbursed.

e. Once the League Office has received your scoresheet, it is too late toprotest. Know the rules and review the match before sending in yourscoresheet.

6. CONCERNING TEAMS THAT DROP OUT Because it is particularly disruptive to the League for teams to drop out duringthe session, the following policy will be observed. A team that drops outduring a session will be required to pay all past dues, the balance of all duesthey would have owed had they completed the session, plus two weeks feesdeposit (which will be applied to the final weeks of the session) before theywould be allowed to rejoin the League. A player who was on such a team andwho wishes to rejoin the League as an individual must first pay his sharebefore being reinstated.

7. ORDER OF PLAY OR HOW IT IS DECIDED WHO PLAYS FIRSTTeam Captains flip a coin to decide who must declare the first player. Winnerof the toss has the choice of declaring first or having the opposing TeamCaptain choose first.

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to make rulings if your League time is after hours, so solve as many situationsas you can on the spot.

The procedure for settling disputes will be as follows:

a. If a dispute between two teams cannot beresolved by existing rules, the two playersand Team Captains will first attempt toresolve the issue by negotiation andcompromise.

b. Remember, the League Operator and the Board (normally not present atthe time of dispute) cannot effectively rule on a good hit/bad hit situationor other similar occurrences. Therefore, it is up to the two players and thetwo Team Captains involved to make every effort to settle the issueimmediately. Frequently, disputes are settled by replaying the game or theflip of a coin. It is essential all parties concerned display goodsportsmanship and conduct during the dispute itself. Poor sportsman-ship or abusive behavior may cause the team that wins the dispute to facemore serious consequences when the Board rules on the sportsmanshipissues. Teams consistently involved in disputes may incur penaltiesranging from point deductions to suspension or termination.

In general, disputed flip of a coin type game rulings would favor theshooting team rather than the sitting team. The APA wishes that gamesbe decided by shooting rather than by reading. Only a clear violationwould go against the shooting team.

Example: The shooting player makes a shot where the hit (good or bad)is questionable and both teams feel their ruling is correct. The callshould go to the shooter.

In the example above, the sitting team should have protected itself by stopping the game prior to the shot and getting a third party, not on either team, to watch the shot. Now the sitting team is on an even level with the shooting team and the shooter must be very

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26

Disagreementsshould be

handled throughcompromise,common sense and courtesy.

A team is subject to penalty if an available table is made unavailable for asplitting matches situation and it is later determined they, in any way, causedit to be unavailable or resisted using the second table. Splitting matches iswaived if both teams agree to continue on one table.

11. COACHINGAs is the case in many sports, coaching is both logical and reasonable.Coaching gives the more advanced players a chance to help the newer playerswith their game under competitive circumstances. Coaching is defined asgiving advice to your teammate during his turn at the table. Some examplesof what is considered coaching are: giving advice as to which ball to shoot,where to leave the cue ball, whether to shoot soft or hard, or whether or not touse english. These types of comments are considered coaching because theyrelate to the game situation.

Some examples of what is not considered coaching are: telling a player whichcategory of balls is his, reminding him to chalk up or to mark the pocket whenshooting the 8-ball, giving advice before the break, or telling a player a foul hasoccurred. Comments such as “good hit” or “nice shot” or answering a player’squestion concerning rules is not considered coaching. Any comments made toa player when it is not his turn at the table are not considered coaching.

Obviously, judgments will have to be made. Play it safe—when youropponent finishes his turn, do not continue talking to your teammates. Go tothe table to begin your turn. Be courteous to your opponent. Observe thefollowing coaching guidelines:

a. Any member of the team can be the coach. The coach does not have to be designated until a time-out is called, and a different coach can be designated for each time-out.

b. So that coaching does not cause excessive delays in the progress of a match, players with skill levels of 4 and up may receive one coaching per game, and players with skill levels of 2 or 3 and nonrated players may receive two coachings per game.

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29

Whoever chooses first for the first match chooses second for the second match,first for the third match, etc. Once both teams in a match have declared aplayer, the players cannot be changed unless the 23-Rule is in jeopardy.

8. VERIFICATION OF IDENTITYYour opponent has every right to request proof of identity from you and yourteammates. Positive identification is a picture I.D., for example, aphotograph on a valid driver’s license. If identification is not adequate, playthe match and file a protest. Give your League Office plenty of time to settlethe matter. The penalty for falsifying a player on your roster will besuspension and/or disqualification of each member of that team.

9. WHO PAYS FOR THE GAMES Although it can be accomplished in more than one way,both teams shall pay equally for table use during thematch. Loser pays is not acceptable unless both playersagree. This rule cannot be altered by Local Bylaws orLocal League Management.

a. On coin-operated tables - A quantity of quarters could be jointlypurchased by both teams and placed as conveniently as possible near thecoin mechanism. Both teams could then use the quarters for the match.More could be jointly purchased if the initial amount runs out. If thereare any quarters left when the match is over, they would be distributedequally to each team.

b. On time tables - On tables where the proprietor charges by the hour, thetotal charge would be divided between the two teams.

10. SPLITTING MATCHESNormally, a team match is played on only one table. Occasionally, lengthymatches make it logical to put a second table in action, if one is available.Therefore, if the fourth match has not started by official League start time plustwo hours, then it would begin on the second table. The fifth match wouldthen be played on whichever table becomes available first.

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The tablecost issharedequally

player’s name (next to the other names) on your copy of the weekly scoresheet.Gentlemen without a handicap (nonrated) will play their first match as aSL4; ladies will play their first match as a SL3. If the new player participatesin another APA League area or is an ex-League player, the Team Captainmust contact the League Office in advance to obtain his most current skilllevel before allowing him to play. If you play him without doing so, be sure heplays at his most current skill level. If he plays at a lower rating, his match willbe considered forfeited. Once a team has entered Higher Level Tournamentplay and it is discovered that a transfer player or an ex-League player wasallowed to participate on the team during regular session play at a skill levellower than his most current rating, the team is subject to disqualification, evenif the player in question reestablished his rating by that time.

Players may, with approval from the League Office, be dropped at any timeduring the session and should be dropped if they become unreliable or causeproblems in the League. To request that the League Office drop a player,simply draw a line through his name on your scoresheet and mark drop.Remember, new players may be added only during the first four weeks of thesession. Exception: New players may be added after the fourth week, but onlywith prior approval from the League Office. If you have a problem with aplayer, drop and replace him during the first four weeks, if possible. Eligible(meaning qualified for the Team Championships) teams may not, during theSpring Session, drop players from their roster after the fourth week of play.This is a National Championship rule. All roster changes for qualified teamsmust be made prior to the team submitting their week four scoresheets.Players who are ineligible to participate in Higher Level Tournaments will bedropped from the roster by Local League Management prior to the LocalTeam Championship.

13. CLOSING TEAM ROSTERSNo player may join a team after the fourthweek. No player may play without ahandicap after the seventh week.

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31

Mark the coachings (also called time-outs) with a ‘T’ on the scoresheet toavoid confusion. In any event, taking too many coachings will not beconsidered a violation of the rules, although consistent attempts to taketoo many coachings may result in a sportsmanship violation. It is up toyou to notify your opponent if he is taking a coaching he does not havecoming. Disagreements are handled just as any other protest or dispute.

c. Any member of the shooting team may call for a time-out. In order toavoid confusion, say it loudly and clearly enough for all to hear.

d. During his turn at the table, the shooter may discuss strategy only with thecoach designated for that time-out. A shooter receiving advice regardinggame strategy from a fellow player, besides his designated coach, hascommitted a foul. A coach may get a group consensus from the otherplayers on his team and pass it on to the shooter, but only the designatedcoach may pass it on. Coaching periods should not exceed one minute.Repeated complaints against offenders could lead to penalties.

e. Coaches may place the cue ball for a player in a ball-in-hand situationduring a time-out. Coaches may not mark the playing surface of the table(see MARKING THE TABLE in the 8-Ball Game Rules Section), orguide the shooter’s cue during the execution of the shot. The coach mustleave the playing area before the shooter attempts the shot.

f. Avoid disputes. When your opponent’s turn is over, go to the table andbegin your turn. Do not sit and talk with your teammates, because youropponent may think you are being coached.

12. ADDING/DROPPINGPLAYERSNew players may be added to your roster at any time during the first four weeks of the session. For an added player to participate in a League match, the opposing Team Captain must be notified that you are adding or dropping a player before the team match begins. To add a player to your roster, simply write the word add and the

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30

The Spring Sessionroster of eligibleteams cannot be

changed.

15. NEW PLAYERSA membership application along with the annual APA membership fee mustbe received with the team scoresheet when a new player shoots. Captains,have your new players fill out their applications and pay you their fees before they play.

Note: The skill levels of new players sometimes do not reflecttheir true ability due to the lack ofscores. For the same reason, the skill levels of new players sometimesfluctuate during the first few weeks. Please allow for this and hold your complaints concerning new players.

16. KEEP YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARDYou must produce proof of current APA membership to receive APA awardsand member discounts.

17. CONCERNING RENEWALSRenewal notices will be circulated to all teams at the end of the Fall Session,during Spring Team Captains Meetings or during the first week of SpringSession play. Teams with players on their rosters who are unavailable to reneware advised to renew for them because the League Operator will drop anymember from the team roster who has not renewed by the end of the fourthweek of play.

18. YOU MAY NOT CHANGE TEAMS within a division during a session unless approved by the League Operator, and then only during the first four weeks and only once.

19. YOU MAY APPEAR ON ONLY ONE TEAM ROSTER WITHIN A DIVISIONYou may not play for more than one team in the same division.

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33

Exception: Players may be added to a team after the fourth week, but onlywith prior approval from the League Office. Additions must be approved bythe League Office prior to play. If this exception were not allowed, someteams would be forced to quit, leaving byes in the schedule. Teams do not jointhis League to receive forfeits; they join because they want to play. The APAappreciates your understanding of this exception.

This exception cannot be used by eligible (qualified for the TeamChampionships) teams during the Spring Session. Eligible teams’ rosters arelocked and may not be altered unless the team elects to give up their eligibility.

14. EVERY PLAYER MUST BE A CURRENT APA MEMBERYou must have an up-to-date APA membership card. Any team that allows aplayer to play without a current APA card will receive zero points for theweek or weeks involved. Their opponent will receive only those points theywin plus the point(s) involving the illegal player(s). The League Operator willremove players from the roster who have not paid their membership fee by theend of the fourth week. It is the Team Captain’s responsibility to make sureall team members have paid their renewal or submitted a completedmembership application along with the required fees by the first week theyplay. If a player has not played by the fourth week, his fees must be paidthen, or he will be dropped.

Note: A player who has paid, but has not yet received his membership card, is eligible. TheLeague Operator is the only person qualified todetermine the status of a player’s membership, so play all matches and check later.

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Your team will receivezero points ifunpaid team

members play.

New players must paytheir membership fee

before they play.

Any time youare not playing

offense, you are playing

defense.

Players with integrity call all safeties and intentionally missed shots. Besidesbeing good sportsmanship, this practice ensures fewer discrepancies on the twoscoresheets. It is not unusual for scoresheets to differ as to the number ofDefensive Shots recorded. Both scoresheets must be signed, even if you disagreeon the number of Defensive Shots.

Please report sandbagging to your League Operator or Division Representative,who in turn may contact other Team Captains to help determine the validity ofthe complaint. All sandbagging complaints must be made in writing fordocumentation purposes. This information will allow Local Management tomake an accurate determination as to whether a player is trying to hold his skilllevel down. Teams or individuals guilty of conspiring to manipulate the system bycounting innings, coaching their players to miss shots or lose games, orattempting any other dishonest practice as determined by Local LeagueManagement, will be penalized. If a player does not wish to compete fairly inour handicapped League, his membership is in jeopardy.

The determination of whether a player is playing at a skill level below his or hertrue ability or a team is conspiring to cheat the system is necessarily subjective;the League Operator may make such a determination and assess penalties inhis/her sole judgment and absolute discretion.

Marking Defensive Shots both consistently and correctly ensures the effectivenessof The Equalizer® scoring and handicap system. The failure to mark DefensiveShots allows players and teams to advance with inaccurate skill levels. Playhonest. Do not pad innings.

Note: If a player has a nearly impossible shot and does the best he can to hitand make one of his object balls, but fails to make contact with his object ball, itdoes not fall into the category of Defensive Shots as defined here.

24. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP SCORE PROPERLYRefer to the section “How to Keep Score” later in this manual for complete instructions. Make sure you keep score properly, especially in the areas of marking innings and Defensive Shots. Your scoresheet will not always agree with your opponent’s in these two categories. You keep your score and let your

opponent keep his. Penalties will be assessed to teams that:

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35

20. YOU MAY PLAY ONLY ONCE in a team match.

21. TEAMS MAY NOT CHANGE HOME LOCATIONS DURING A SESSION unless the location closes, the location requests it, or the League Operator approves the move.

22. THE LEAGUE OPERATOR MAY ASSIGN SKILL LEVELSA League Operator is authorized to assign skill levels and lowest attainables tothose players who are attempting to manipulate their handicaps by sandbagging,or to a new player who is a known highly skilled player.

23. UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE SHOTSOver the years, there have been many questions and misinterpretations concerning Defensive Shots. The focus of this section is to help all APA members understand Defensive Shots so they can be identified consistently. With the proper understanding and marking of Defensive Shots by the scorekeeper and his teammates during Weekly League Play, The Equalizer®handicap system will work perfectly.

A Defensive Shot is a shot where the shooter deliberately misses so as to pass his turn at the table to his opponent. Simply stated, it is a shot where there is no intent on the part of the shooter to legally pocket a ball of his category. Intent isthe determining factor. Think of it this way: any time you arenot playing offense, you are playing defense.

Defensive Shots fall into two basic categories. The first categoryis safeties. A safety is defensive action taken when a player hasno makeable or high percentage shot, or chooses to leave his opponent in adifficult situation. Safeties are perfectly ethical, yet intentional misses nonetheless,and must be marked as a Defensive Shot by the scorekeepers. The shooter’s“intent” is the determining factor in these situations. Sometimes intent can be amatter of opinion and judgment, but the scorekeeper’s judgment must be acceptedby the opposing player.

The second category is intentionally missed shots for the purpose of manipulatingone’s handicap, also referred to as sandbagging. Players of all levels of skill wholearn to recognize this unethical conduct can make it much more difficult for aplayer to unfairly manipulate his handicap.

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Proper scorekeepingcombats sandbagging.

Scan to watch a video

on DefensiveShots.

Scan to watch a video

on properscorekeeping.

27. LOWEST ATTAINABLERULEOnce you have 10 League matches on record or you have been assigned a skilllevel (therefore, an established skill level), you will not be allowed to dropmore than one skill level, except for the rare instances of physical disability orother extreme circumstances which might permanently change your trueability. This is known as the lowest attainable rule.

28. NATIONALLOWEST ATTAINABLE RULEIn general, players who have participated in a National Singles or NationalTeam Championship on the National Level will have their lowest attainablesraised to the highest exit skill level they attained during any one of thesechampionships. The APA maintains a permanent record of players who haveparticipated in National events. Some exceptions may be made, but only ifLocal League Management specifically appeals an individual’s national lowestattainable. Those appeals, properly justified, will be granted.

29. TEAM SKILL LIMITRULE IN OPEN DIVISIONPLAY - 23-RULEThe total of the skill levels of the five playersfielded in any team match cannot exceed 23. Ateam playing fewer than five matches must show that it would not have exceeded 23 if the fivematches had been played. If the 23-Rule is broken,the offending team would receive zero points for that team match. The non-offending team wouldreceive all points they won plus two points for the match in which the 23-Rule was broken and anysubsequent matches.

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a. Try to negotiate more innings with their opponent;

b. Coach their players to miss shots, thus running up their innings (You can prevent this by marking all deliberate misses in the DefensiveShots block of the scoresheet.); or

c. Make any suggestions that are contrary to proper scorekeepingprocedures.

Please report any team you believe violates scorekeeping procedures.

25. A CAUTION AGAINST HANDICAP MANIPULATIONThis rule also concerns the deliberate manipulation of skill levels. The League Operator or the Board of Governors has the option to disqualify ateam from becoming eligible for Session Playoffs and Higher LevelTournaments, or receiving awards as a result of their play in a session, if in theLeague Operator’s or Board of Governors’ sole judgment and absolutediscretion, one or more of its players are deemed to be playing at a skill levelbelow their true ability.

The League Operator and/or BOG should exercise this option no later than15 days after the Session Playoff finals. Make sure the skill levels of all teammembers reflect their true ability. If you think a teammate’s skill level is toolow for any reason, simply call the League Office and ask them to raise theplayer’s skill level appropriately.

26. ENJOY YOURSELF, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE HANDICAP SYSTEMThis League is intended for the pleasure of all APA members. TheEqualizer® handicap system is designed to give each member a good chanceto win matches and must therefore be protected. Occasionally it becomesobvious that a member is abusing the system by missingshot after shot while attempting at the same time tomaintain control of the match. There are many anti-sandbaggingmeasures within the League system, butdevious play is still disruptive in nature and repeatedcomplaints against teams or members may result inwarnings and, if continued, cancellation of membership.Simply play the game and let the system do its job.

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Simply play the game andlet the system

do its job.

5 playersfielded in anyteam match

cannotexceed 23.

A violation of the 23-Rule has officially occurred when the rack is struck in the individual match that causes the violation. If your opponent violatesthe 23-Rule, notify the opposing Team Captain, and then note the violationon your scoresheet. If the notation (protest) is not on the scoresheet whenreceived by the League Office, it is too late to protest. Get into the habit of checking.

EXAMPLES: Legal Illegal76532 = 23 77655 = 3066632 = 23 76653 = 2754326 = 20 66543 = 24

30. SESSION PLAYOFFSAt the end of each session there is a playoff in each division among the topfinishing teams. The team that wins the Playoffs wins the awards and thedivision title for that session, and gains eligibility into the Local Level of theTeam Championships. A team does not win the division title and eligibilityby winning the most points during the session. Those points only gain you aslot in the Playoffs. The Playoffs will normally take place during the breakbetween sessions, and full weekly fees will be collected.

In each division, the top three finishing teams plus a wild card team will bein the Session Playoffs. During the semifinals, the first place team plays thewild card team and the second place team plays the third place team. In thefinals, the two semifinal winners play each other to decide who the DivisionChampion will be.

Session Playoff site selection will be made at or prior to the Team CaptainsMeeting at the beginning of the session and will be indicated on the schedule.It is possible a playoff match will be at a neutral location, or it is possible theplayoff site might be at the home of either or both of the teams involved.

How the Wild Card Team is Selected - After the final week of play, theLeague Operator or his designated representative, in the presence of witnesses,will conduct the wild card draw. Those teams not making the Playoffs areeligible for the draw unless they gave up more than five forfeit points duringthe course of the session, are not current with all League fees, or are judgedineligible by the League Operator for some other reason.

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Example: A team may play four players whose skill levels total 21 only if oneof the players who is listed on the roster and did not show up is a SL2.Obviously, they are forfeiting the fifth match. If their lowest player who didnot show up is a SL3, then the other four that played cannot exceed 20. If ateam shows up with only three players, then they may total 19 only if there aretwo SL2s who did not show up and are listed on the roster. If the lowest twowho did not show up are, for example, a SL3 and a SL4 (totaling 7) then thethree who play cannot exceed 16.

During Session Playoffs and all levels of Team Championship play,the 23-Rule is still in force. It is not permissible for a team to lead off withthree SL7s with the idea of winning the first three matches and forfeiting theteam match if one of them loses. A team must show that if the team matchhad gone the full five individual matches they could have stayed within the23-Rule. It is permissible for a team to count someone who is on the rosterbut not present at the match site. In other words, a team may plan on using aSL2 even if the player is not present at the match site. The team would haveto forfeit the fifth match, but the advantage they gain is the right to play ahigher skill level player earlier in the team match. There is always a chancethe player who didn’t show up will arrive later in the match.

When forming a new team, team members should exercise caution regardingthe number of highly skilled players they recruit. If the team improves towhere it can no longer comply with the 23-Rule, then it must play fourplayers whose combined skill levels do not exceed 19, and forfeit the fifthmatch. If a team’s skill levels elevate to the point where the skill levels of thelowest four players on the roster exceed 19, then they can play three players to15. No team will be allowed to add a player to the roster for 23-Rulepurposes after the fourth week of play without prior approval from the League Office.

Nonrated gentlemen playing for the first time (meaning they have notestablished a skill level yet) will play their first match as a SL4; nonratedladies will play their first match as a SL3.

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All the rules governing regular session play are enforced for the Session Playoffs. Pay special attention to the 23-Rule as it pertains to Playoffs. There is a paragraph in those rules that specifically governs Playoffs. In Playoffs, it is sometimes not necessary to play all five matches.

Playoffs and championship matches are scored the same as weekly 8-Ballplay, except a forfeited individual player match is worth three points. The firstteam to reach a match point total which the opposing team cannot overcomeis the winner. A situation that occasionally occurs during a Divisional PlayoffMatch (or any Higher Level Tournament) is that the match can end beforeall five individual matches are complete.

Example: In the 5th match, Joe (SL5) is put up against Jim (SL6). The normalrace would be 4 to 5; however, Joe’s team is ahead 6-4 after four individualmatches have been played. Therefore, in order for Joe to win the match for histeam, he only needs to make it to “The Hill”. Even if he lost the match 2-1,his one match point would give his team seven total match points.

Note: When a Divisional Playoff Match (or any Higher Level TournamentMatch) ends before either player reaches their assigned “Games Must Win”,simply stop the match and write INCOMPLETE MATCH on thescoresheet. The two teams cannot agree to continue the match just for funbecause the scoresheet must show where the match actually stopped.

Ties in Playoffs: In case of a tie at the end of a team match (5 to 5, 6 to 6, or7 to 7 match points) the tie would be broken by the number of individualmatches won by each team.

If after four matches, the team match is tied and neither team can field a fifth player, the team that won two individual matches first would be declaredthe winner.

For a player to participate in Session Playoffs,he must have played at least four times withthat team during the session. If an ineligibleplayer is chosen to play, then a violation of thisrule officially occurs when the rack is struck inthat player’s match. The ineligible playerforfeits the match and the teams go on to thenext player match. The skill levels of bothplayers count towards the 23-Rule for that

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Tie-breaking Procedures - It will happen quite often that two teams willfinish a session tied for a position. The following tie-breaking procedures aresimilar to those used in other sports organizations, and will be used to decidewhich team is ahead of the other. In some cases, these procedures may onlydictate the difference between first and second place which is not so importantbecause both teams will still make the Playoffs. In other cases, however, theywill decide the more critical situation of one team making the Playoffs and theother not making the Playoffs.

• If two teams are tied - Break the tie by letting their records against each other during regular session play decide the issue.

Example: Teams #6 and #10 finish tied for 3rd Place. These two teamsplayed each other twice during the session as follows:

1st Match: Team #6 won 7-52nd Match: Team #10 won 6-3

Team #6 totaled 10 points, while Team #10 totaled 11 points. Team #10 is thedeclared winner of third place.

• If the two teams are still tied - If they played twice and the result is still a tie,then only consider how they did against each other the last time they played.If the result is still a tie, the winner will be determined by the team that wonthe most individual matches the last time they played.

• If three or more teams are tied - Break the tie by matching the teams againsteach other according to which teams involved met first during the session.After the matching-up, proceed as described above to determine a winner andthen match the winner against the other team in the tie as described above.

Example: Teams #2, #5, and #10 all tied for 3rd Place in a session. Lookingback in the schedule, none of them met in the first week of play. Team #2played Team #10 in the second week, so their tie is broken (as describedpreviously), and the winner is matched against Team #5. The winning teamadvances to the Playoffs. The losers would be placed in the wild card draw.

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To participate inPlayoffs you mustplay at least fourtimes with yourteam during the

session.

who is employed as a manager/assistant manager of a billiard room may becategorized as a house pro and could be ineligible for amateur play. The APAdoes not wish League Operators/Boards of Governors to disallowparticipation based strictly on ability. There are many skilled amateurs andthey are welcome to play in the League.

32. EQUIPMENTIn general, any piece of equipment designed specifically for pocket billiards,with the exception of laser devices and mechanical cues, is acceptable in APALeague play. Some specialty cues (see SPECIALTY CUES described indefinitions) may be limited in use. Special equipment, such as bridges and cueextenders, are legal. You may change cues and/or cue shafts during a gameprovided the cues and/or shafts you are switching to do not violate any rules ofuse, and you remain within the Time Guidelines (outlined on page 7).

Jump Cues – A specialty cue designed for attempting jump shots (see JUMPSHOTS described in definitions). They may not be used to perform jumpshots or massé shots (see MASSÉ SHOTS described in definitions) instandard APA League and tournament play.

Break Cues – A specialty cue designed for breaking (see BREAK SHOTSdescribed in definitions). Sometimes combined with jump cues to form ajump-break cue, these cues are allowed in APA play for breaking. They maynot be used to perform jump shots or massé shots in standard APA Leagueand tournament play.

Regular Shooting Cues – Any cue designed to shoot the majority of shots ina game of pool. These cues may also be used to perform jump shots, masséshots and break shots in all APA League and tournament play.

APA will rule upon any piece of equipment in question that is not covered bythis rule.

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match. On the other hand, once the team match is over and either team hasleft the match site, or the scoresheets are signed by both Team Captains, thematch will stand as played, even if an ineligible player(s) has competed. Theofficial APA software program prominently displays the number of matcheseach player has played on the weekly scoresheet, making it easy to enforce thisrule. Byes and forfeits do not count as matches played. A team with anineligible player(s) on its roster may NOT use that ineligible player for 23-Rule purposes for the last match(es). Local bylaws may stipulateadditional requirements for playoff eligibility.

31. NO PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS ALLOWEDThis League is intended for amateurs, and the APA reserves the right to reject or cancel the memberships of those individuals whom the APA deems to be professionals. The APA has a variety of criteria for determining professional or amateur status. They include a touring(tournament) membership in any men’s or women’s professional billiardsorganization, winning tour points from any of those organizations, being anationally known money player (a judgment call), or otherwise beingrecognized as a billiards professional, billiards celebrity or entertainer (notedperformers of exhibitions, retired professionals, etc.). The APA reserves theright to rule on the amateur/professional status of any member, and we mayconsider all, some, or none of the above criteria. Just remember, if you enter aprofessional event, perform exhibitions, or otherwise behave as a professional,you risk your amateur standing in our association.

Locally, the League Operator and/or the Board of Governors has the optionof disallowing participation by an individual who has consistentlydemonstrated professional characteristics. An individual who is a knownmoney player and is perceived by the League Operator/Board of Governors tomake a substantial portion of his living playing pool, rather than having otheremployment, could fall into this category. An individual who gives exhibitionsor lessons for money may fall into this category. A highly skilled individual

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37. APPEALSYour League Operator automatically reviews all disciplinary actions of anyBOG established in your area and would notify you or your Team Captain ofthe decision. If you wish to appeal disciplinary action taken by Local LeagueManagement to the APA, you may do so. To appeal, you must send a writtennotice to APA addressed to the APA Appeals Committee at the address onthe back of this manual. The notice must state the disciplinary action takenand why APA should review the decision of Local League Management. TheAPA has the sole authority and absolute discretion to act on the matter and itsdecision shall be final.

Note: The APA does not, nor does it authorize its League Operators or theiremployees to, discriminate against any individual based on race, creed, religion,sex, sexual preference, or any other criteria related to discrimination that hasbeen established by the Federal Government. All individuals who meet theminimum age requirements are eligible for APA membership, are eligible to takeadvantage of APA membership benefits, and are eligible to participate in APAprograms unless they have violated rules that are specifically detailed in thisTeam Manual.

Understanding that APA’s most popular programs involve teams, it is logical toassume the APA cannot dictate the composition of each team. Teams aretypically made up of friends, relatives and/or co-workers and neither the APA,nor its League Operators, nor their employees, have the authority to guaranteeany individual that he or she can be on any particular team.

Please understand that APA team play typically takes place in public locations,such as billiard rooms, taverns and clubs. The APA cannot force a team toparticipate in a location where the members of that team feel uncomfortable.The APA and its League Operators will exert best efforts to promote harmony,security, and satisfaction among APA members as related to the composition ofteams and the types of establishments they participate in.

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33. PLAYERS RECEIVING INCENTIVESIt is contrary to the best interest of the League and it leans towardprofessionalism for members to solicit or accept incentives to play for alocation or for a team. Teams or players may face disqualification for solicitingincentives such as, but not limited to, free table usage or payment of all or partof League fees.

If a Host Location offers the same benefit to all members participating out ofthat location, it is probably acceptable. Special deals to just a few players are not acceptable.

34. SPORTSMANSHIPGood sportsmanship is essential in pocket billiards as in any sport. Repeatedcomplaints against you can lead to cancellation of your membership in the APA.In addition, if you disrupt the League by consistently arguing and disagreeingwith League rules, rulings and policies you may face loss of membership.

35. RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEDue to the ever-changing nature of sports and the situations that can and dooccur, the APA reserves the right to make rulings and rule modifications asnecessary and at any time. APA also reserves the right to make exceptions torules in order to promote fairness.

Any rule changes will be sent to your League Operator and will be madeavailable to all members through posted bulletins, Team Captains Meetingsand/or will be published in The American Poolplayer magazine andpoolplayers.com.

36. APA IS HIGHEST AUTHORITYThe American Poolplayers Association is the highest authority concerning allLeague rulings.

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47

SECTION 3

8-Ball Game RulesGENERAL DESCRIPTION - 8-Ball is played with a cue ball and a normalrack of 15 object balls. The primary purpose of this game is for one player topocket the solid balls numbered from 1 to 7 or the striped balls numbered from 9to 15, and then marking and pocketing the 8-ball before his opponent. Choice ofballs to be pocketed is made by the player legally pocketing the first ball of the game.

For example, if the first ball pocketed in the game is the 3-ball, then the playermust pocket the rest of the balls from 1 to 7 while the opposing player attempts topocket all the balls from 9 to 15. The turn passes from one player to the nextwhenever the shooter fails to pocket a ball of his category or fouls. A player legallypocketing a ball of his category must continue to shoot. Winner of the game is theplayer pocketing his numerical group of balls first, followed by legally pocketingthe 8-ball. The 8-ball must be pocketed in a marked pocket.

1. LAGGINGPlayers lag (see LAG described in Definitions) to see who wins the first break.If the lagged balls make contact during the lag, re-lag. The winner of the lagbreaks in the first game and from that point on the winner of each gamebreaks in the next game.

2. RACKINGAll balls should be frozen (touching) as tightly as possible. Balls are rackedwith the front ball on the foot spot and the 8-ball in the center of the triangle.The breaking player may request and receive a rerack.

3. BREAKINGTo be a legal break, players must break from behind the head string. The headball or the second row of balls must be struck first and at least four object balls

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8-Ball Game Rules

must be driven to the rails or a ball must be pocketed. The cue ball may notbe shot into a rail before the rack. If the rack is struck, but the break does notqualify as legal, the balls are reracked and rebroken by the same player. If therack is struck, but the break does not qualify as legal and results in a scratch,the balls are reracked and broken by the opposite player. THE RACKMUST BE STRUCK BEFORE A FOUL CAN OCCUR. Breaking safeor soft is not allowed. The League Operator may make judgments and issuepenalties to teams and players who are not breaking hard. Breaking just hardenough to comply with this rule is not a guarantee against penalties.Remember, break as hard as you can with control.

4. AFTER THE BREAKVarious circumstances can occur upon completion of the break. They are:

a. A foul on a legal break will result in ball-in-hand behind the head stringand the incoming player has an open table as defined in “4e.” Theincoming player may then shoot at any ball that is outside the head string.Outside the head string is determined by aligning the middle or base ofthe ball with the imaginary line (head string) between the centers of thetwo appropriate diamonds (see Diagram of Table).

If an object ball is dead center on the head string, or out, then it is playable.If it is in, the ball is not playable. If the two players cannot agree on anobject ball being in or out, then a third party is consulted for an opinion. Ifa third party is consulted, his opinion is final. If no third party is availableor agreed upon, then a flip of a coin will decide the issue. To shoot at a ballthat is in could be considered a sportsmanship violation to be reported tothe League Office.

The cue ball must be in as described above before play can begin. It is upto the opponent to check to be sure the cue ball is in before it is shot.This is not a foul; no penalty may be assessed. If the cue ball is out, theshooter must place the cue ball behind the head string. To refuse andshoot anyway would be considered a sportsmanship violation to bereported to the League Office.

opponent calling a foul. In other words, the sitting player must call the foulbefore the shooter returns to the correct category and makes legal contact,or before the shooter pockets the remaining balls of the wrong categoryand legally contacts the 8-ball. Once a player makes legal contact with the8-ball, the player assumes control of that category of wrongly pocketedballs and can win the game by legally pocketing the 8-ball. In addition, ifthe sitting player does not call a foul before his opponent’s turn ends, andsubsequently contacts the wrong category himself, both players will assumethe new category of balls for the remainder of the game. Before any foulhas occurred, the shooter also may avoid penalty by asking the sitting playerwhich category of balls he has. The sitting player must tell him the truth.

5. COMBINATION SHOTSCombination shots are legal, but striking the correct ball first is required exceptin the open table situation. The 8-ball is not neutral. A player is creditedwith all balls he legally pockets. When a player does not pocket one of hisballs, but pockets an opponent’s ball, he loses his turn. The opponent getscredit for the pocketed ball. No pocketed ball is ever spotted.

6. BALLS ON THE FLOORKnocking the cue ball off the playing surface is a foul. If the 8-ball is knockedon the floor, it is loss of game. Knocking any other object ball on the floor isnot a foul. Object balls that get knocked off the playing surface will bespotted on the foot spot. If the foot spot is taken, the ball will be placed on aline directly behind the foot spot as close to the foot spot as possible. If two ormore balls are knocked on the floor, they are placed in numerical order withthe lowest numbered ball closest to the foot spot; the placed balls will be frozento one another. It might occur that a player legally pockets a ball whilesimultaneously knocking some other ball(s) on the floor. In this situation, it isstill his turn and the ball(s) is not spotted until he misses. If the ball on thefloor is one of the shooter’s balls, then it is spotted when the shooter haspocketed all of his other balls or misses.

7. POCKETED BALLSBalls must remain in a pocket to be legal. If a ball goes in a pocket, butbounces back onto the playing surface, it is not considered pocketed. If it isthe 8-ball, it is not to be considered as either a win or a loss. If it is the cueball, it is not to be considered a scratch.

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b. No balls are pocketed and it is the other player’s turn.

c. The 8-ball is pocketed. This is a win unless the player scratches, in whichcase he loses.

d. A ball is pocketed. For example, the 3-ball is pocketed; now it is still thebreaker’s turn and he is shooting low balls (solids).

e. A ball of each category is pocketed (for example, the 6-ball and the 12-ball). Now the breaker has his choice. He may shoot any ball exceptthe 8-ball (which would be a foul); if he does not foul, anything that goesin counts. If he were to make one of each on his second shot, he wouldstill have an open table and the same choice as after the break. If he wereto miss or foul on his second shot, his opponent would have an open table.If the opponent then shoots and makes a ball, but also fouls on the shot,it is still an open table. Open table means a player can shoot acombination involving a stripe and a solid and whichever he makes,without committing a foul, would be his category.

Example: If a player has an open table, and he shoots the 6-ball into the10-ball, and the 10-ball goes in the pocket, he has high balls (stripes) andmust strike the high balls first from that point on.

f. If two balls of one category and one ball of the other category arepocketed (for example, the 3-ball, the 6-ball, and the 10-ball) it is theshooter’s choice just as in “4e” above.

g. Occasionally, a player mistakenly starts shooting the wrong category ofballs. Although it is sportsmanlike for the sitting player to remind theshooting player that he is about to foul by shooting the wrong category ofballs, it is not a requirement for him to do so. Once the shooter has hitthe wrong category of balls, the foul has occurred whether the ball ispocketed or not. If the ball is pocketed, it is permissible, though notrecommended, for the sitting player to allow the shooting player tocontinue pocketing the wrong category of balls until he feels inclined tocall the foul. The shooting player can escape penalty by quietly realizinghis error and returning to shoot the correct category of balls and legallycontacting one of them before his opponent calls a foul, or by finishing offthe wrong category of balls and legally contacting the 8-ball prior to his

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ball-in-hand behind the head string), and shoot any of your balls (or the 8-ball, if all of your balls have been pocketed) regardless of where that ball is.A player exercising his rights under the ball-in-hand rule may place the cueball on the table anywhere he desires.

Even after having addressed the cue ball a player may, if not satisfied with theplacement, make further adjustments with his hand, cue stick or any otherreasonable piece of equipment. A foul may be called only if the player fouls thecue ball while actually stroking at the cue ball, meaning a double hit of the cueball (sometimes called double clutching). The ball-in-hand rule penalizes aplayer for an error. Without this rule, a person can actually benefit byaccidentally or purposely scratching or otherwise fouling. In the unlikely eventthat a game should ever become stalemated, meaning that neither player wantsor can make use of ball-in-hand, then the balls are reracked, the same playerbreaks and the innings for the stalemated game are crossed off the scoresheet.

Only the player or the team captain may officially call a foul, although anyonemay suggest to the player or the team captain that a foul should be called.

These are the only fouls resulting in ball-in-hand. All other violations aresportsmanship violations. The ball-in-hand fouls are as follows:

a. Anytime during a shot, the cue ball goes in a pocket, on the floor, orotherwise ends up off the playing surface.

b. Failure to hit a correct ball first. (A player who is shooting stripes must hit a striped ball first.) The 8-ball is not neutral. In general, theshooter has the advantage in close hit situations unless his opponent hasasked an outside party to watch the hit. Protect yourself. If you thinkyour opponent is getting ready to shoot a shot that could possibly be abad hit, stop him from shooting and get someone to watch the shot.Potential bad hit situations are usually fairly obvious and protests anddisputes over these close situations can almost always be avoided ifsomeone is asked to watch the shot. If the outside party cannotdetermine which ball was struck first, the call goes to the shooter. Teams involved in repeatedly calling bad hits without outside partyverification may be subject to penalty points for disruptiveunsportsmanlike behavior.

c. Failure to hit a rail after contact. A rail must be hit by either the cue ball or any other ball after the cue ball and the object

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Note 1: If a ball which has been hanging in a pocket for more than a fewseconds suddenly falls in, it is to be placed back on the table where it wasoriginally sitting. Once a ball has stopped all motion, it cannot move againwithout outside forces affecting it. So, if it falls in a pocket, it is to be placedback on the table where it was before it fell.

Note 2: It occasionally happens on tables with small pockets that two ballsbecome jammed in a pocket and are leaning over the edge of the slate to somedegree. They are off the playing surface and are pocketed. Drop them in andresume playing the game unless the pocketing ends the game (8-ball or cueball scratch when shooting the 8-ball).

8. ONE FOOT ON THE FLOORAt least one foot must be on the floor at all times while shooting if a bridge ispresent. There is no foul, simply stop the shooter and hand him the bridge.League Management cannot guarantee the presence of bridges, and some HostLocations do not have them. If a bridge is not available, house rules prevail.

Exception: Players shooting from a wheelchair must remain seated in theirwheelchair while shooting.

9. MARKING THE TABLEMarking refers to a physical alteration in the appearance of the cloth on a pooltable. No one is allowed to mark the cloth. For example, using chalk to drawa line, or wetting your finger to dampen the cloth, is not allowed. It ispermissible to set a piece of chalk on the hard surface of the rail.

10. FOULSIf any of the following fouls are committed, the penalty is ball-in-hand for theincoming player. Make certain you have ball-in-handbefore you touch the cue ball. Confirm it with youropponent before touching the cue ball. Ball-in-handmight be new for many members and thereforewarrants further explanation. Ball-in-hand means youget to put the cue ball anywhere on the table (with theexception of a scratch on the break which results in

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Verify withyour opponent

you haveball-in-hand.

EXCEPTION: If an accidentally moved ball comes in contact with thecue ball, creating a foul, no object ball will be replaced.

h. If, during the course of a shot, the cue ball does not touch anything.

i. Exercise caution when picking up or placing the cue ball in a ball-in-handsituation. The cue ball is always alive. If the cue ball, or the handholding or moving it, touches another ball it is a cue ball foul and youropponent has ball-in-hand. Be especially careful when you are picking upor placing the cue ball in a tight spot.

j. The player or his coach (during a time-out) may place the cue ball in aball-in-hand situation. The same rule regarding placing the cue ballapplies to the coach as it applies to the player. If the player, or coach foulsin the process of placing the cue ball, it will be ball-in-hand for theopponent. Therefore, it should be the player’s choice if he wishes to placethe cue ball or allow his coach to do so.

11. THERE ARE VARIOUS WAYS TO LOSE:

a. Your opponent pockets his numerical group and legally pockets the 8-ball.

b. You pocket the 8-ball out-of-turn or knock it on the floor.

c. When playing the 8-ball, you pocket the 8-ball in the wrong pocket orfail to properly mark the pocket where the 8-ball went in.

d. You foul the cue ball and then pocket the 8-ball.

e. When playing the 8-ball, you scratch. You lose whether or not youpocket the 8-ball.

Note: If you are shooting at the 8-ball and miss it altogether withoutscratching, you have fouled and your opponent has ball-in-hand, but you don’tlose because of this foul.

f. A game is forfeited if you alter the course of the 8-ball or the cue ball in a game losing situation.

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ball make contact. A pocketed ball counts as a rail. Even if the ballbounces back onto the playing surface, it is considered to have hit a rail, asthe pocket liner is part of the rail. A sentence that should answer manyquestions is: ANY ball must go to a rail AFTER LEGAL contact.

d. The object ball is frozen to a rail and the player is contemplating playing asafety (see SAFETY described in Definitions). In order for the followingfrozen ball rule to be in effect, the opponent must declare that the ball isfrozen and the player should verify. Once it is agreed that the ball isfrozen, then the player must either drive the object ball to another rail (ofcourse, it could hit another ball, which in turn hits a rail), or drive the cueball to the rail after it touches the object ball. If the latter method ofsafety is chosen then the player should take care that he quite obviouslystrikes the object ball first. If the cue ball strikes the rail first or appears tohit both the rail and ball simultaneously, then it would be a foul unlesseither the cue ball or object ball went to some other rail.

e. It is illegal and, therefore, a foul to jump a cue ball over another ball bycuing it up in the air (scooping) on purpose.

f. Receiving illegal aid (coaching from person(s) other than the coach)during your turn at the table. To determine what is and is not consideredcoaching, refer to COACHING in the General Rules Section of thismanual.

g. Causing even the slightest movement or altering the course of the cueball, even accidentally, is a foul. Even dropping the chalk on the cue ballis a foul. It is not a foul, however, to accidentally move any other balls(including the 8-ball) unless, during his turn at the table, a player moves aball and it in turn comes in contact with the cue ball. Any balls movedaccidentally during a shot must be replaced by the opponent after theshot is over and all balls have stopped rolling. If it occurs before the shot,it must be replaced by the opponent before the shot is taken.

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SECTION 4

The Equalizer® Handicap SystemThe uniqueness of The Equalizer® handicap system is that it brings out the best inboth the novice or beginning player and the expert should they meet in a match.With The Equalizer®, it is feasible for a beginner to have a nearly equal chance ina match with a more highly skilled player. The Equalizer® aids the lesser skilledplayer by dictating mathematically that he needs to win fewer games than his morehighly skilled opponent to win a match. In golf and bowling you give or getstrokes or pins. In this League, you give or get games. How many games you giveor get is determined by comparing your skill level to the skill level of youropponent. Higher skill level players give lower skill level players a number ofgames, thus evening the match.

1. HOW HANDICAPS ARE DETERMINEDYour Local League Office calculates and reports player skill levels to the teamson a regular basis. Your skill level determines how many games you have towin, in order to win your match. Skill levels are maintained, calculated andupdated by the Local League Office. The process includes a number offactors such as the application of specific mathematical formulas to the data on the weekly scoresheets, win/loss records, Higher Level Tournamentperformance, qualitative judgment by Handicap Advisory Committees, andother considerations. You are asked to refrain from attempting to keep your own records as it is agenerally disruptive practice.The APA appreciates yourcooperation with this policy.

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Example: You are shooting the 4-ball, miss the pocket, and the 4-ballhits the 8-ball. The 8-ball is going towards the pocket and you reach outand stop it and try to claim that it is only a ball-in-hand foul. Wrong, itis loss of game.

Example: You are shooting at the 8-ball and miss the pocket and the 8-ball is heading towards the wrong pocket or the cue ball is headingtowards a pocket. You reach out and stop the ball and claim that it isonly a ball-in-hand foul. Wrong, it is loss of game.

12. HOW TO WINYou have won the game when all the balls of your numerical group have beenpocketed and you have legally pocketed the 8-ball in a properly marked pocketwithout scratching. To properly mark the pocket, a coaster or some otherreasonable marker (to avoid confusion, although it is permissible, we do notrecommend marking the pocket with chalk) must be placed next to the pocketthe 8-ball is intended to enter. Both teams may use the same marker. Onlyone marker should be on the table. However, if more than one marker is onthe table, as long as you clearly mark the pocket where you intend to pocketthe 8-ball you have properly marked the pocket. If the marker is already atthe intended pocket from a previous attempt or game, it is not necessary foryou to touch it, pick it up, or reposition it.

Note: You may not play the 8-ball at the same time you play the last ball ofyour category. The 8-ball must be a separate shot.

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Skill levels are maintained,calculated and updated by your Local League Office.

“GAMES MUST WIN” CHART

YOUR OPPONENTS/L 2 3 4 5 6 7

2 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/73 3/2 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/64 4/2 3/2 3/3 3/4 3/5 2/55 5/2 4/2 4/3 4/4 4/5 3/56 6/2 5/2 5/3 5/4 5/5 4/57 7/2 6/2 5/2 5/3 5/4 5/5

4. HOW TO USE THE CHARTTo read the chart, find your skill level along the left side of the chart. Thenfind your opponent’s skill level along the top of the chart. Now, track to theright from your skill level and down from your opponent’s skill level until thetwo tracks meet. In that block, the first number is the number you race to,and the second is the number your opponent races to. The two numbersinvolved should have the same differential as your skill levels. For example, aSL6 playing a SL4 tracks to the block with 5/3 (circled) in it. The SL6 racesto 5 while the SL4 races to 3. 5 to 3 is a differential of 2, just as 6 to 4 is adifferential of 2.

Example 1: On this particular League evening, Bill is scheduled to playFrank. Frank is a SL5. Bill just joined the League and is a nonrated player,meaning that he does not have a skill level yet. Therefore, Bill plays as a SL4and Frank plays at his SL5. Referring to the “GAMES MUST WIN” chart,you can see that a match between a SL5 and a SL4 has the SL5 player racingto 4 and the nonrated player racing to 3. That is a difference of 1 game whichis the difference in the skill levels. Frank is going to have to win 4 games of 8-Ball before Bill wins 3. That is Bill’s advantage or equalizer.


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2. HOW TO GET STARTEDObviously, new players do not have a skill level established, so a standardstarting method has been devised for new players. Statistics show that 73% ofmale players are SL4s and higher while 73% of female players are SL3s andbelow. Gentlemen will play their first match as a SL4; ladies will play theirfirst match as a SL3. A League Operator is authorized to assign skill levelsand lowest attainables to new players who are known highly skilled players orto players who have previously established skill levels in another format. If aplayer has previously established a skill level in the APA 9-Ball format, thenhe will begin play in 8-Ball with his current 9-Ball skill level.

Note: A SL1 will begin as a SL2 in 8-Ball and SL8 or SL9 will begin as aSL7 in 8-Ball.

As a result of your first match, a skill level is established and reported for you.It is against the rules for a player who has an established skill level to attemptto reestablish his skill level at a later time. In other words, you cannot quit fora while and then rejoin the League or transfer to another League area as anonrated player. You are obligated to disclose the fact that you are a formermember or a current member in another League area and already have anexisting skill level.

3. ONCE SKILL LEVELS ARE ESTABLISHEDNow it is time to take a look at how your skill level and the skill levels of theother players interact to create the highly competitive atmosphere that hasmade this League so successful. Remember you are going to give or getgames. During regular weekly session play, simply refer to the “GAMESMUST WIN” chart shown at the top of the next page. This chart is alsoprinted on the scoresheet for your convenience.


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Y

O

U

2. DECLARED PLAYER SECTIONAfter the coin toss determines who must declare the first player, place theappropriate team number in the space provided to assist in tracking whichteam chooses first in each subsequent match.

3. THE “INNINGS AND TIME OUTS” SECTIONAn inning in pool is a completed cycle that gives both players a turn at thetable. The player who won the lag is listed first and is the top half of theinning throughout the match. The player who lost the lag is the bottom halfof the inning throughout the match. An inning is not over and, therefore,not marked until the player who lost the lag misses or fouls.

a. THE “GAMES” BLOCKS - A separate box has been created for eachgame. Indicate the number of innings in each game as in the illustrationand indicate who won the game by darkening the upper or lower block inthe right hand portion of each game box. Upper for the player listed first(on top) and lower for his opponent. Mark Early 8’s (E8), 8-Ball Scratch(8S), 8 Wrong Pocket (8WP), 8-on-the-Break (8OB), and Break-and-Runs (BR) on your scoresheet within the game box it occurred. Indicatetime outs taken by marking a “T” in the corner triangles of the gamesblock, the upper two triangles for the player listed first (on top) and thelower two for his opponent. Always mark the first time out in the triangleon the left of the games block. In the illustration, it can be seen that therewere three innings in the first game and Jones wonit with one time out. In the fourth game, it can beseen that Jones not only won the game, but that hebroke and ran out—Smith didn’t get a shot. Weknow he broke because he won game three, and weknow he ran out because there would have been atleast one inning had Smith gotten a shot. Jones wongames one, three, four, six and seven. Smith wongames two and five each with one time out.

Mark complete innings only. If a player Break-and-Runs a rack, the inning is not over yet because he is still shooting (breaking) in the next game. Mark a zero (0) in the game box. An inning is never marked until the player who lost the lag, and who is the

How to Keep Score in 8-Ball

59

SECTION 5

How to Keep Score in 8-BallThe weekly 8-Ball scoresheet is very important and should be filled out neatly,completely and correctly, and then signed by both Team Captains. Penalties will beassessed for repeated illegible, incomplete or incorrect scoresheets.

In the partial illustration of a scoresheet above, we see thatJones (a SL7) and Smith (a SL5) have been selected to playeach other. Their skill levels are reported to them on a portionof the scoresheet not visible in the illustration. The followinginstructions explain how to complete the scoresheet properly.

1. PLAYER INFORMATIONWhoever wins the lag is listed first (on top). List his team number, last nameand initial, player number (from team roster) and the games he must win. Youobtain that number from the “GAMES MUST WIN” chart described in thepreceding section. Now do the same for his opponent. In the illustration,Jones won the lag and is, therefore, listed first. He is a SL7 and Smith is aSL5. Referring to the chart, we see that a match involving a SL7 and a SL5has the SL7 racing to 5 and the SL5 racing to 3, so a 5 is entered in the“GAMES MUST WIN” block for Jones and a 3 for Smith.


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The playerwho lostthe lag

ends theinning.

Scan to watch a video on

8-ballscorekeeping.

7. THE “MATCH POINTS EARNED” BLOCKThe number of Match Points Earned in any given match will be determinedby the number of games the losing player won. See chart below:

8. THE "RUNNING TOTAL" BLOCKUtilize the “Running Total” block to add up the match points earned block foreach of the individual matches played.

9. THE “FEES SECTION”Team Captains should complete the financial section, located in the lower leftportion of the scoresheet (not shown in the illustration). All money placed inthe envelope with the scoresheet should be itemized. It is important to listannual membership dues along with the names of the members who arepaying, as well as any unusual payments.

10. TEAM CAPTAIN’S SIGNATURE BLOCKWhen your team match is over, record the total number of match pointsearned shown in the “Running Total” block earned by each team. Recordthe total number of points earned by your team on both scoresheets in theblock provided at the end of your Team Captain’s signature line and thensign both scoresheets.

11. TABLE SIZE SECTIONCheck the appropriate box to designate which size table the match wasplayed on.


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bottom half of the inning throughout the entire match, MISSES ORFOULS. An inning is not over at the end of a match unless the bottomplayer loses the match on his final shot.

b. THE “TOTAL INNINGS” BLOCK - Total all the innings for the entirematch and enter the number in this block. It is “21” in the illustration.

4. “8-BREAK” AND “8-B & RUN” BLOCKS Use the appropriate block to mark the total 8-balls pocketed on the break (8OB) and the total of all Break-and-Runs (BR) for each player.

5. THE “DEFENSIVE SHOTS” BLOCKThis is where intentionally missed shots areindicated. A Defensive Shot must be marked for aplayer on any shot where there is no INTENT tolegally pocket a ball of his category. At the end ofthe match, total and circle the number of DefensiveShots for each player. If there are no Defensive Shotsin a match write “No DS” in the block.

By conscientiously marking intentionally missed shots, you are not onlykeeping score properly, you are also helping to ensure the accuracy of the skilllevels of the other players in your division. In the illustration, Jones had twoDefensive Shots and Smith had five.

Note: The marking of a Defensive Shot does not affect the marking of theinning. In other words, the inning is marked and so is the Defensive Shot, ifappropriate.

(See UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE SHOTS in the General Rulessection)

6. THE “GAMES WON” BLOCKThis is where the total number of games won by each player is recorded. In theillustration, Jones won five games and Smith won two games.


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Mark allintentionallymissed shots.

SECTION 6

The 9-Ball League9-Ball is for everyone! Here’s your chance to play the same game the pros play andhave a great chance at winning.

Except as specifically indicated in this section and as common sense would dictate,all of the information contained in this manual also applies to the 9-Ball League.

A. GENERAL 9-BALL RULES

Some of the specifics that should be mentioned concerning the 9-Ball League areas follows:

1. The overall team skill limit rule is 23. If the 23-Rule is broken, theoffending team would receive zero points for that League match. Thenonoffending team would receive all points they won plus 15 points for thematch in which the 23-Rule was broken and any subsequent matches.

2. Only two senior skill level players may play in any giventeam match. Senior skill level players are players whohave a skill level of 6, 7, 8, or 9. If an ineligible (by thisrule) player is chosen to play, then a violation of this rule officially occurs when the rack is struck in thatplayer’s match. The ineligible player forfeits the matchand the teams go on to the next player match. Bothplayers’ skill levels count towards the 23-Rule for thatmatch. On the other hand, once the team match is over and either team has left the match site, or thescoresheets are signed by both Team Captains, the match would stand as played even if an ineligible player has competed.

3. How byes are scored - Assuming no replacement team is found, 60 points willbe awarded for all byes.

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Only twosenior skilllevel playersmay play in

a teammatch.

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Accurate and conscientious scorekeeping is the Team Captain’s greatestcontribution to the smooth operation of The Equalizer® handicap system andthe prevention of sandbagging. The Equalizer®will work perfectly if every teamkeeps score properly. Anytime a player does not attempt to pocket one of hisobject balls it should be marked in the player’s Defensive Shots block. The onlyway a team can get away with manipulating The Equalizer® handicap system isIF YOU LET THEM. Your Local League Management processes thescoresheets you submit. You improve the League and your chances of winningby playing by the rules and the spirit of the rules and by keeping score accordingto the book. Your cooperation will be appreciated by your teammates, yourfellow members, your Local Management, and the APA.

B. 9-BALL GAME RULES

Many of the rules concerning 9-Ball are similar to those used in 8-Ball. When thisis the case, it will be indicated. The rest of the details concerning 9-Ball follow.

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION9-Ball is played with a cue ball and nine object balls numbered 1 through 9.9-Ball is a rotation game, meaning the balls are shot in numerical order. Theshooter must strike the lowest numbered ball on the table first. The game isover when the 9-ball is pocketed. A player retains his turn at the table as longas he strikes the lowest numbered ball first and legally pockets a ball. He neednot pocket the lowest numbered ball to continue shooting. He may, forexample, shoot the 1-ball into the 4-ball thus pocketing the 4. He wouldcontinue shooting and must, once again, strike the 1-ball first. If the shootershoots the 1-ball into the 9-ball and the 9-ball is pocketed, the game is over.

2. LAGGINGThe same as 8-Ball.

3. RACKINGNine balls are used and are racked in a diamond shape. The 1-ball is at thefront of the rack and on the foot spot. The 9-ball is in the center and the rest of the object balls can be placed in any numerical order.

Note 1: When using coin-operated tables, save some money by using all theballs in the event of a short game. Example: If the 3-ball and 9-ball are madeon the break, the balls are reracked (because a 9-on-the-Snap is a winner)using the 10-ball and 11-ball. The object ball sequence in the next game is 1,2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11. The 11-ball, in effect, is the “9-ball” (last ball) in thisgame. Do not say the 10-ball replaces the 3-ball; it is too confusing. Shootthe balls in numerical order.

Note 2: The breaker can demand that the lowest available nine balls be usedeach game.

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4. The forfeit rule reads the same as in 8-Ball, except a forfeited individualplayer match is worth up to 15 points.

5. Coaching - Disregard reference to category when reminding a player whichball to shoot. Reminding a player which is the next ball in rotation is notconsidered coaching. Coaching time-outs are the same as 8-Ball, but includeskill level 1 as receiving 2 coachings per game and skill levels 8 and 9 asreceiving 1 coaching per game.

6. Playoffs and championship matches are scored the same as weekly 9-Ball play,except a forfeited individual player match is worth 20 points. The first team toreach 51 match points is the winner.

Example: In the 5th match, Joe (SL5) is put up against Jim (SL6). Thenormal race would be 38 to 46; however, Joe’s team is ahead 48-32 after fourindividual matches have been played. Therefore, in order for Joe to win thematch for his team, he only needs to pocket 15 points, because, even if he lostthe match 17-3, his 3 match points would give his team 51 total match points.

Note: When a Divisional Playoff Match (or any Higher Level TournamentMatch) should end before either player reaches their assigned point count,simply stop the match and write INCOMPLETE MATCH on thescoresheet. The two teams cannot agree to continue the match just for funbecause the scoresheet must show where the match actually stopped.

In case of a tie at the end of a team match (50 to 50 match points) the tiewould be broken by the number of individual matches won by each team.

7. 9-Ball participation does not qualify you for 8-Ball Championships.

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the wrong ball, the foul has occurred whether the ball is pocketed or not. If theball is pocketed, it is permissible, though not recommended, that the sittingplayer allow the shooting player to continue shooting until he feels inclined tocall the foul. Any balls pocketed prior to the foul being called will be marked as“dead balls.” The shooting player can escape penalty by quietly realizing hiserror and returning to shoot the correct ball and striking it first on a shot prior tohis opponent calling the foul. In other words, the sitting player must call thefoul before the shooter has shot the correct ball.

Note: Push-outs are fairly standard in pro events and in the U.S. AmateurChampionship (conducted by the APA); however, APA rules for all handicappedcompetition does not allow push-outs.

6. COMBINATION SHOTSCombination shots are legal and extremely common in 9-Ball. Just make sureto hit the lowest numbered ball on the table first.

7. BALLS ON THE FLOORKnocking the cue ball off the playing surface is a foul. Knocking an objectball on the floor is not a foul. Object balls that get knocked off the playingsurface will be immediately spotted on the foot spot. If the foot spot is taken,the ball will be placed on a line directly behind the foot spot as close to thefoot spot as possible. If two or more balls are knocked on the floor, they areplaced in numerical order with the lowest numbered ball closest to the footspot. Spotted balls are frozen to one another. It might occur that a playerlegally pockets a ball while simultaneously knocking some other ball(s) on thefloor. In this situation, the ball(s) is spotted and the player continues shootinguntil he misses.

8. POCKETED BALLSBalls must remain in a pocket to be legal. If a ball goes in a pocket butbounces back onto the playing surface, it is not considered pocketed.

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4. BREAKINGTo be a legal break, players must break from behind the head string. The headball must be struck first and at least four object balls must be driven to the railsor a ball must be pocketed. The cue ball may not be shot into a rail before therack. Failure to strike the 1-ball first does not result in a foul. If the rack isstruck, but the break does not qualify as legal, the balls are reracked andrebroken by the same player. If the rack is struck, but the break does notqualify as legal and results in a scratch, the balls are reracked and broken bythe opposite player. THE RACK MUST BE STRUCK BEFORE AFOUL CAN OCCUR. Breaking safe or soft is not allowed. The LeagueOperator may make judgments and issue penalties to teams and players whoare not breaking hard. Breaking just hard enough to comply with this rule is not a guarantee against penalties. Remember, break as hard as you can with control.

5. AFTER THE BREAKVarious circumstances can occur upon completion of thebreak. They are:

a. A foul on a legal break will result in ball-in-handanywhere on the table for the breaker’s opponent.Pocketed balls, if any, stay down (are not spotted),except the 9-ball.

b. No balls are pocketed and it is the other player’sturn.

c. The 9-ball is pocketed. This is a win unless the player scratches, in which case the 9-ball (any other available high numbered ball is adequate) is spotted and the turn passes to his opponent.

d. A ball or a number of balls are pocketed. It is still the breaker’s turn and he shoots at the lowest numbered ball on the table.

e. Occasionally it occurs that a player mistakenly shoots the wrong ball. Although it is sportsmanlike for the sitting player to remind the shooting player he is about to foul by shooting the wrong ball, he is not required to do so. Once the shooter has hit

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In 9-Ball, a foul on a

legal break isball-in-handanywhere on

the table.

Example 1: If a player pockets the 9-ball on the break and does not scratch, thegame is over and he gets two points. This is known as a “9-on-the-Snap” (9OS).

Example 2: If a player pockets the 9-ball and one other object ball on thebreak and does not scratch, he gets three points and the game is over.

Example 3: A player makes the 9-ball on the break as well as another objectball and scratches. The 9-ball is spotted (any other available high numberedball is adequate). His opponent then takes ball-in-hand and legally runs allthe balls off the table. He receives a point for each of the seven (rememberone ball was already gone) object balls pocketed and two points for the 9-ball,or nine points total.

Example 4: Player A breaks and makes a ball, then runs all the balls butscratches (or fouls) when pocketing the 9-ball. The 9-ball is spotted andplayer B takes ball-in-hand and pockets the 9-ball. Player A gets eight points.Player B gets two points and breaks the next game.

C. THE EQUALIZER®HANDICAP SYSTEM FOR 9-BALL

Although the 9-Ball handicaps are calculated differently, it is essentially the sameas it is for 8-Ball (see The Equalizer®Handicap System Section). In 9-Ball yougive and get points rather than games. The Equalizer® aids the lesser skilled playerby dictating mathematically that he needs to earn fewer points than his morehighly skilled opponent to win a match.

1. HOW TO GET STARTEDGetting started in 9-Ball is essentially the same as in 8-Ball. Listed below arethe exceptions:

a. Statistics show that 75% of male players are SL4s and higher while 74%of female players are SL3s and below. A nonrated gentleman will playhis first match as a SL4 as he does in 8-Ball. But, a nonrated lady willplay her first match as a SL2.

b. If a player has previously established a skill level in the APA 8-Ball format, then he will begin play in 9-Ball with his current

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Note: It occasionally happens on tables with small pockets that two ballsbecome jammed in a pocket and are leaning over the edge of the slate to somedegree. They are off the playing surface and are pocketed. Drop them in andresume playing the game unless the pocketing ends the game.

9. SPOTTING BALLSOther than the circumstances described in BALLS ON THE FLOOR, theonly ball that would ever be spotted would be the 9-ball when the shooter haspocketed the 9-ball and scratched or otherwise fouled. If the shooter makesthe 9-ball on the break and fouls or scratches, the 9-ball (and only the 9-ball)is spotted. If the shooter is shooting at the object ball and plays it into the 9-ball and pockets the 9-ball, but scratches or otherwise fouls in the process,the 9-ball is spotted. The incoming player has ball-in-hand and will beshooting at the lowest numbered ball on the table.

Note: If a ball which has been hanging in a pocket for more than a fewseconds suddenly falls in, it is to be placed back on the table where it wasoriginally sitting.

10. FOULSThe same as 8-Ball except as follows:a. The exception concerning scratching on the break does not apply to 9-Ball.

Scratching on the break is ball-in-hand anywhere just as other fouls.b. The foul concerning striking the correct ball first applies, but ignore the

reference to stripes or solids.c. The foul concerning illegal aid still applies, but ignore the reference to

reminding a player to mark the 8-ball. The 9-ball does not have to becalled; therefore, the pocket the 9-ball is going to be pocketed in does nothave to be marked.

In the unlikely event that a game should ever become stalemated, meaningthat neither player wants or can make use of ball-in-hand, the game shall endbut the points earned stand. The innings and Defensive Shots remain; allremaining balls on the table become dead balls. The player who broke in thestalemated game will break in the new game.

11. SCORINGA player receives a point for every ball pocketed from 1 through 8 (exceptthose pocketed when he scratches or otherwise fouls) and two points forpocketing the 9-ball.

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D. HOW TO KEEP SCORE Keeping score in 9-Ball is just as important as keeping score in 8-Ball. Read andfollow the instructions in this manual except as follows:

In 9-Ball, the Team Captains should coordinate the scorekeeping. It is suggestedthat one member from each team sit together and keep score.

The rosters, standings and next week’s schedule are printed on the back of thescoresheet.

In this partial illustration of a scoresheet above, we see that Jones (a SL7) and Smith (a SL5) have been selected to play each other. The following instructions explain how to complete the scoresheet properly.

1. PLAYER INFORMATIONThe winner of the lag is listed first (on top). List eachplayer’s team number, player number and name, skill leveland the points he must win (from the chart) in the appropriate spaces.

2. THE “SCORE” SECTIONAt the end of each game, record the “points” each player ended with.

3. THE “INNINGS” SECTIONAn inning of pool means a turn per player. The player who won the lag islisted first and is the top half of the inning throughout the match. The playerwho lost the lag is the bottom half of the inning throughout the match. Aninning is not over and, therefore, not marked until the player who lost thelag does not legally pocket a ball or fouls. The innings for each game areseparated by a perpendicular line drawn after each game ends, creating aninnings box for each game. In this innings box mark 9-on-the-Snaps (9OS)or Break-and-Runs (BR) for the game in which it occurred. See illustration for examples.

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8-Ball skill level or a skill level assigned by the League Operator.

Exercise caution when forming your 9-Ball team. Consider that currentmembers on your 8-Ball team could experience a critical change in skilllevels that would affect your compliance with the 23-Rule.

2. ONCE SKILL LEVELS ARE ESTABLISHEDNow it is time to take a look at how your skill level and the skill levels of theother players interact to create the highly competitive atmosphere that makesthis League so successful. Remember, you are going to give or receive points.Simply refer to the following chart.

Player’s Skill Level Points Required to Win1 142 193 254 315 386 467 558 659 75

The chart indicates the number of points that each skill level is required toattain in order to win a match. A SL3, for example, must get to 25 pointsbefore his opponent reaches the number of points he is trying to attain. If, forexample, a SL3 is playing a SL5 and the score is 24 points for the SL3 and 32points for the SL5, then the SL3 only needs one more point (one more legallypocketed ball) in order to win the match. If the SL3 were breaking and madea ball on the break without scratching, the match would be over. If the SL3were to make two balls on the break giving him a score of 26, you only markthe one point needed to win the game. The game and the match are bothover at that point.

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9-ballscorekeeping.

8. THE “TOTAL INNINGS” BLOCKTotal all the innings for the entire match and enter the number in this block.It is 20 in the illustration.

9. THE “TOTAL POINTS” BLOCKAt the end of the match, enter the total points scored by each player.

10. THE “MATCH POINTS EARNED” BLOCKIn each match, the players will split 20 points. How those 20 match points aresplit is determined by how well the losing player performed. Look at the charton this page. In our illustration Smith is the losing player. He is a SL5 andhad 25 points. Therefore, the match points earned by Smith is 5, and Jones gets15. The least a winner can receive is 12 points and the most is 20 points.

At the end of the team match, each team’s points need to be added togetherand the total recorded on the “total” line next to the team number by the spaceprovided for the Team Captain’s signature on the bottom of the scoresheet.Each individual match, unless forfeited, is worth 20 points and a team matchis worth 100 points, so the points earned by both teams should add up to 100points when all five matches are played.

20-0 19-1 18-2 17-3 16-4 15-5 14-6 13-7 12-8

1 less than 3 3 4 5&6 7 8 9&10 11 12&13

2 less than 4 4&5 6&7 8 9&10 11&12 13&14 15&16 17&18

3 less than 5 5&6 7-9 10&11 12-14 15&16 17-19 20&21 22-24

4 less than 6 6-8 9-11 12-14 15-18 19-21 22-24 25-27 28-30

5 less than 7 7-10 11-14 15-18 19-22 23-26 27-29 30-33 34-37

6 less than 9 9-12 13-17 18-22 23-27 28-31 32-36 37-40 41-45

7 less than 11 11-15 16-21 22-26 27-32 33-37 38-43 44-49 50-54

8 less than 14 14-19 20-26 27-32 33-39 40-45 46-52 53-58 59-64

9 less than 18 18-24 25-31 32-38 39-46 47-53 54-60 61-67 68-74

11. THE "RUNNING TOTAL" BLOCKUtilize the running total block to add up the match points earned block foreach of the individual matches played.

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4. THE “DEAD BALLS” SECTIONKeep track of any balls not credited to either player (e.g., scratches, fouls,balls left on the table when the 9-ball is made). These balls should beaccounted for on the scoresheet to avoid confusion.

5. “9-SNAP” AND “9-B & RUN” BLOCKSUse the appropriate block to mark the total 9-balls pocketed on the break (9OS) and the total of all break and runs (BR) for each player.

6. THE “DEFENSIVE SHOTS” BLOCKThis is where intentionally missed shots are indicated. A Defensive Shotmust be marked for a player on any shot where there is no INTENT tolegally pocket a ball of his category. At the end of the match, total andcircle the number of Defensive Shots for each player. If there are noDefensive Shots in a match write “No DS” in the block.

By conscientiously marking intentionally missed shots, you are not onlykeeping score properly, you are also helping to ensure the accuracy of theskill levels of the other players in your division. In the illustration, Joneshad five Defensive Shots and Smith had two.

Note: The marking of a Defensive Shot does not affect the marking of theinning. In other words, the inning is marked and so is the Defensive Shot,if appropriate. (See UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE SHOTS in theGeneral Rules section)

7. THE “POINTS” SECTIONUsing the lines of numbers (above and below the players in each match), keeptrack of the balls (points) as the shooter is making them. Remember, you arekeeping track of the points for both players. To avoid confusion the scorekeepershould ANNOUNCE THE TOTAL POINTS RECORDED FOR EACHPLAYER AFTER EACH TURN. Record the number of balls legallypocketed for each player throughout the match. Balls 1 through 8 count as onepoint each, and the 9-ball counts as two. At the end of each game, thescorekeeper should record the ball count number each player has reached in theappropriate “score” section. Ten points should be accounted for in each game,taking any dead balls into consideration. The match ended when Jones reached55 points, the number of points required for a SL7 to win the match.

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Loser’sS/L

SCORE OF MATCH

SECTION 7

Other APA FormatsIn addition to the standard adult 8-Ball and 9-Ball League, the APA sanctionsadditional formats such as Junior Divisions, Ladies Divisions, Masters Divisions,Super Divisions and 3-Person Team Divisions. These other formats may or maynot be available in your area. The other APA formats are as follows:

1. JUNIOR DIVISIONSPlease read this entire manual (except the Higher Level Tournament Section),as most of it applies to Junior play. The specific exceptions relating to theJunior Divisions are as follows:a. Membership Benefits - The APA is the largest pocket billiards

organization in the history of this country. As a Junior member of the APA, you will receive the best benefits available to the Junioramateur player. Transferability - Your membership is transferable to wherever an APAsanctioned Junior Division exists. There is no transfer fee. Upon arrivalat your new home, simply notify Local League Management and askthem to contact your previous League Operator to transfer your records.When you transfer to a new area, you must enter with your last skill levelfrom your previous area. Memberships are nonrefundable and are nottransferable from one person to another.

b. Fees - Annual APA Membership dues are described in this manual(Section 1), except Junior members substitute $10 for $25 and $5 for $15.

c. Awards - Annual Local Team Championships may be held with prizes(no cash) awarded to the winning teams.

d. General Rules - All rules, policies and procedures included in thismanual apply to the Junior Division, except as noted below:1) The age limit will be 17. No player will be allowed to participate

past his 18th birthday, unless that birthday should occur in themiddle of a session, in which case he would be allowed to completethe session. Although local ordinances may dictate the minimum ageof any participant, the APA has no minimum age limit. LocalBylaws may allow adults, such as parents or guardians, to participatewith certain restrictions. Exception: League areas that are restrictedto 21 for standard adult Leagues may set the age limit to 20

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Accurate and conscientious scorekeeping is the Team Captain’s greatestcontribution to the smooth operation of The Equalizer® handicap system andthe prevention of sandbagging. The Equalizer® will work perfectly if every teamkeeps score properly. Anytime a player does not attempt to pocket one of hisobject balls it should be marked in the player’s Defensive Shots block. The onlyway a team can get away with manipulating The Equalizer® handicap system isIF YOU LET THEM. Your Local League Management processes thescoresheets you submit. You improve the League and your chances of winningby playing by the rules and the spirit of the rules and by keeping score accordingto the book. Your cooperation will be appreciated by your teammates, yourfellow members, your Local Management, and the APA.

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in Junior Divisions. Check your Local League bylaws for agerequirements in your APA area.

2) Team Skill Limit Rule in the Junior Division will be set at 17.Simply refer to the rule regarding the overall skill limit rule in theOpen Division and substitute a 17 wherever a 23 is indicated. A thorough reading of the overall skill limit rule (known as the 23-Rule) in this manual will also indicate a few common senseadjustments. In addition, no team may field more than one playerwhose skill level is 6 or above in any team match.

2. LADIES DIVISIONSPlay will follow 8-Ball rules and format. All other rules, policies and proceduresincluded in this manual apply to Ladies Divisions, except as noted below:

a. The total of the skill levels of the three players fielded in any team matchcannot exceed 13.

b. Maximum of five players allowed on the roster.c. Teams may choose any three of the five team members to participate in

each team match.d. Byes - five points are awarded to a team receiving a bye.e. Team Forfeits - five points are awarded to a team receiving a forfeit.f. Division winning teams and players are not eligible for the Team

Championship as a result of their participation in this format.g. All participants in Ladies Divisions are eligible to participate in the 8-Ball

Classic.

TEAM SKILL LIMIT RULE IN LADIES DIVISION PLAY- 13-RULEThe Ladies Division will follow all the rules of the Open Division with thefollowing exception:

The total of the skill levels of the three playersfielded in any team match cannot exceed 13. Ateam playing fewer than three matches must showthat it would not have exceeded 13 if the threematches had been played. If the 13-Rule isbroken, the offending team would receive zero

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points for that League match. The non-offending team would receive allpoints they won plus two points for the match in which the 13-Rule wasbroken and any subsequent matches.

Example: A team may play two players whose skill levels total 11 only if one of the players who is listed on the roster and did not show up is a SL2.Obviously, they are forfeiting the third individual match. If their lowest player who did not show up is a SL3, then the other two that played cannot exceed 10.

During Session Playoffs and all levels of Tournament play, the 13-Rule isstill in force. It is not permissible for a team to lead off with two SL6s withthe idea of winning the first two matches and forfeiting the team match if oneof them loses. A team must show that if the team match had gone the fullthree individual matches they could have stayed within the 13-Rule. It ispermissible for a team to count someone who is on the roster but not presentat the match site. In other words, a team may plan on using a SL2 even if sheis not present at the match site. The team would have to forfeit the thirdmatch, but the advantage they gain is the right to play a higher skill levelplayer earlier in the match and there is always the chance the player that didn’tshow up might have shown up.

When forming a new team, team members should exercise caution regardingthe number of highly skilled players they recruit. If the team improves towhere it can no longer comply with the 13-Rule, then it must play twoplayers whose combined skill levels do not exceed 10, and forfeit the thirdindividual match. No team will be allowed to add a player to the roster for13-Rule purposes after the fourth week of play without prior approval fromthe League Office.

Nonrated ladies playing for the first time (meaning they have not establisheda skill level yet) will play their first match as a SL3.

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3 playersfielded in anyteam match

cannotexceed 13.

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i. Byes – 15 points are awarded to a team receiving a bye.j. Forfeits – An individual player match is worth five points.k. Playoff Matches are scored the same as in weekly play except a forfeited

individual player match is worth seven points. In the case of a tie at theend of a team match, the tie would be broken by the number of individualmatches won.

4. SUPER DIVISIONSAll rules, policies and procedures included in this manual apply to the SuperDivision, except as noted below:

a. Open Division - The overall skill limit rule will read the same as the 23-Rule, except the overall skill limit will be 30. In addition, no morethan two SL7s may participate in any team match.

b. Ladies Division - The skill limit rule will read exactly the same as the 23-Rule because the Super Ladies Division skill limit rule will be 23.In addition, no team may field more than two players whose skill levelsare 6 or above in any team match.

c. All participants in Super Divisions are eligible to participate in the 8-Ball Classic.

5. 3-PERSON TEAM DIVISIONSAll rules, policies and procedures included in this manual apply to 3-PersonTeam Divisions, except as noted below:a. Rosters are limited to five players, although only three players play in any

team match.b. Open Division - The skill limit rule will read the same as the 23-Rule,

except the overall skill limit will be 14 for the three players fielded in anyteam match.

c. All participants in 3-Person Team Divisions are eligible to participate inthe 8-Ball Classic.

d. Division winning teams and players are not eligible for the TeamChampionship as a result of their participation in this format.Exception: Summer and Fall Session Division Playoff winners in a 3-Person Team Division can gain eligibility, but only if:

A violation of the 13-Rule has officially occurred when the rack is struck in the individual match that causes the violation. If your opponent violatesthe 13-Rule, notify the opposing Team Captain, and then note the violationon your scoresheet. If the notation (protest) is not on the scoresheet whenreceived by the League Office, it is too late to protest. Get into the habit of checking.

EXAMPLES: Legal Illegal553=13 644=14643=13 554=14733=13 663=15

3. MASTERS DIVISIONSPlay will follow U.S. Amateur Championship rules and format. All otherrules, policies and procedures included in this manual apply to MastersDivisions, except as noted below:

a. There will be no skill level limit.b. A maximum of four players will be permitted on a roster; three of the

four team members will participate in each team match.c. Each individual match will be a race-to-7 and will include eight games of

9-Ball and five games of 8-Ball. Players will earn one point for eachgame won. A team can earn a maximum of 21 points per night.

d. The winner of the lag will have choice of game (8-Ball or 9-Ball) or thebreak. Once the format has been chosen, the entire set of that formatmust be completed before moving to the next format.

e. Masters 9-Ball – The player has won the game when he has legallypocketed the 9-Ball without scratching.

f. Push Out – On the shot immediately following a legal break duringgames of 9-Ball, the shooter may play a push-out (see Definitions). Anyball pocketed on a push-out does not count and is spotted.

g. Coaching is not allowed.h. Jump Cues – The use of jump cues is allowed in Masters Division play.

Be aware that even though Masters’ rules allow for the use of jump cues,Local League Bylaws or Host Location “house rules” may choose tolimit or strictly prohibit their use.

SECTION 8

ConductDuring League PlayThe purpose of this section is to provide you with specific guidelines concerningplayer conduct during League play. The APA has charged your Local LeagueManagement with the responsibility of enforcing these guidelines. LeagueManagement includes League Operators, Boards of Governors, or any otherindividual or committee that might pass judgments on misconduct. The guidelinescontained herein deal with PHYSICAL CONTACT and VERBAL ABUSE.There is room for judgment in some areas and there is no room for judgment inother areas. The APA has cautioned League Management to strictly adhere tothose areas where there is no room for judgment.

There are two kinds of action taken by League Management in these types ofmisconduct cases—IMMEDIATE ACTION and FOLLOW-UP ACTION.Immediate action is the action taken that immediately effects the actual results ofthe team match. Immediate action effects the entire team and it is recognizedthere are sometimes innocent individuals involved. Follow-up action is the actiontaken later, specifically against the individual involved in whatever incidentoccurred. The innocent members of the teams involved are not affected by follow-up action.

1. PHYSICAL CONTACT

Physical contact is the hostile physical contact between two players. Thiscontact could be in the form of bumping, shoving, pushing, or hitting.Although this contact normally involves only the team members, LeagueManagement should impose the same penalty when a nonmember is involvedif it is deemed the nonmember(s) involved is with one of the teams. Withcould mean a number of things; in general, if an offending person is deemedto be with the team, it would mean they came with the team or the teamshould have had some control over the person’s actions. With is a judgment.

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1) The team has at least four players (for originality purposes) on their roster;

2) The team permanently converts to playing in the standard (5-Person team) 8-Ball League format for the next session; and

3) The team meets all other Higher Level Team Tournament eligibilityrequirements, i.e., they play continuously once qualified through theend of the Spring Session, they maintain four original players ontheir roster once qualified, etc.

IMMEDIATE ACTION - If League Management can determine theverbal abuse was entirely one-sided, then the individual match must beawarded to the non-offending player. This is the standard immediate actiontaken by League Management. The verbal abuse could be coming from theopponent, anyone on the opponent’s team, or anyone who is with theopponent. It is only considered to be a one-sided situation if no one from theother side responds or retaliates in any way. League Management may call forforfeiture of the entire match if it determines the abuse and harassment putthe non-offending team in an unfair competitive situation.

If both players or both teams are involved in the verbal abuse, a situationcommonly referred to as a screaming match, then the match results may or maynot be affected based upon the decision of League Management. If it is in atournament or playoff situation, both teams could be disqualified, as it isextremely disruptive to other matches and to the tournament in general.

3. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS

It is during follow-up action that League Management is given theopportunity to decide who started the problem and whether or not the degreeof retaliation was reasonable. Follow-up action addresses the long-term issues.

It is important that those ladies and gentlemen who cannot act like ladiesand gentlemen adjust their demeanor appropriately or they will be removedfrom the League.

League Management must take action against any members involved in physical contact violations, no matter how remotely League related they are. It is not acceptable for a couple of members to take their fightoutside, or to agree to meet and fight it out at a later date. If, indeed, they do fight at a later date and League Management determines it was as a result of League play, then League Management must take action. This action would be in the form of follow-up action. A fight that occursoutside, but during League time, will be considered to be the same as one that occurred inside. If a player threatens to wait outside until the match isover, League Management should rule that the entire team match is


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IMMEDIATE ACTION - If hostile physical contact occurs, THEMATCH IS OVER! There are only two possibilities to consider: only oneteam was guilty of hostile physical contact or both teams were guilty of hostilephysical contact. LEAGUE MANAGEMENT MUST EXERCISE ONEOF THE FOLLOWING TWO OPTIONS:

a. Only one side was involved. In this case, the offending team loses allpoints if it is a regular night of play on the weekly schedule, or loses theteam match if it is a Session Playoff or any kind of a tournament match.The nonoffending team receives 10 points (75 points in 9-Ball) in thecase of a regular night of play, or advances to the next level in the event of Session Playoffs or some sort of tournament play.

b. Both teams were guilty of hostile physical contact. In this case neitherteam would receive any points for the night in the case of a regular nightof play on the weekly schedule, or if it is a Session Playoff or tournamentplay, both teams lose the match, which is the same as saying both teamsare disqualified.

League Management has no alternative other than to enforce one of the above twooptions. When considering the above options, League Management cannotconsider who started it, nor can League Management consider that the retaliation, ifit occurred, was justified. The only way both teams can avoid the same penalty isfor one of the teams to refuse to retaliate no matter what provocation they may haveto endure.

2. VERBAL ABUSE

Verbal abuse consists of any name calling, threats, or any other language thatcould be considered to be harassment or could cause embarrassment to theopponent. League Management will always have to make judgments in thisarea. It is not considered harassment to root for your team—just do not do itwhile your opponent is shooting.


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SECTION 9

Higher Level TournamentEligibility Information & RulesAs of the printing of this manual, the APA offers two national 8-Ballchampionships—the basic 5-Person team championship and the singleschampionship. The APA also offers two national 9-Ball championships—the basic 5-Person Team Championship and the Singles Championship. In the future, the APA may offer championships in other formats. These championships includeany combination of local, regional and/or national events, known collectively asHigher Level Tournaments.

A. AREA ELIGIBILITY

In order to protect the overall integrity of the national championships, the APAreserves the right to declare an area ineligible to participate in the championships ifLocal League Management does not accurately follow procedures outlined in theAPA League Operations Manual.

A Local League area must also meet certain minimum team counts in order toparticipate in the National Championships. Once the minimums have been met,more teams participating in your area will mean more teams advancing from yourarea to the nationals. Theoretically, it is just as easy to advance from a territorywith 500 teams as it is to advance from a territory with 100 teams.

The minimum team counts to become an eligible area are as follows:

1. TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

a. 8-Ball - If your League area has 20 or more standard 8-Ball Teams participating in the final (Spring) session of the League year, then your area qualifies and may

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forfeited. How can a player and his teammates possibly concentrate onfinishing a match if they feel they will be facing a brawl later on? In otherwords, a threat could be treated as physical contact in terms of immediateaction. There is certainly room for a lot of judgment in this area.

Follow-up action by League Management results in penalties such as probation,suspension and permanent termination of League and APA membership. Thelatitude of these penalties is left mainly up to League Management, but thefollowing guidelines should be observed:

a. To any person who starts a fight or brawl—permanent termination of League and APA membership.

b. To a person who gets into a fight or a brawl defending himself—a minimum one month suspension if first offense, and much longer if otherwise.

c. To someone who consistently uses foul or intimidating language—six month suspension, and longer for a second offense.

d. To someone who uses lesser degrees of verbal abuse—probation andsuspension as deemed appropriate.

It is important that all team members are aware of these conduct guidelines. Yourteam should consider dropping anyone from your roster who does not agree withthem. Any individual or team suspended from League play will immediately losecertain other membership privileges, including eligibility for APA tournaments,until and unless the suspension is lifted. Once a player is suspended that playerwill not have the privilege to coach their team, keepscore or put up players, until their suspension hasbeen lifted. Breaking this rule may result in a muchlengthier suspension. You joined this League to havea good time and so did the vast majority of othermembers. Every member has the right to be treatedin a sportsmanlike manner, and members who display offensive behavior will not be tolerated.


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Every memberhas the right tobe treated in a sportsmanlike

manner.

updates skill levels. In general, there are few differences from regular League play.Please anticipate receiving a Team Captain’s packet prior to the tournament. The packet will contain some specific information, such as: referees, if present;scorekeepers, if present; special rules and procedures for the tournament, if needed;and other applicable subjects. This section deals with issues, such as, how tomaintain eligibility once gained, identification requirements, team certificationprocedures, disqualification procedures and more.

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTIONA general description of the Team Championships can be found in Section 1of this manual.

2. HOW TO BECOME AN ELIGIBLE TEAMGain eligibility to the Local Level of the Team Championships simply bywinning a division title or by finishing Playoffs immediately behind a teamthat is already eligible. One team per division per session becomes eligible, sothree teams per division per League year (if the division played all threesessions) become eligible. THE ONLY WAY A TEAM CAN GAINELIGIBILITY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIPS IS BY THEIRPERFORMANCE IN REGULAR WEEKLY PLAY. In large Leagueareas there may be Tri-Cups, Qualifier Cups, etc., to determine who advances.If this applies to your area, it will be explained in the Local Bylaws.

3. ELIGIBILITY CAN BE LOSTOnce eligible, make sure you become familiar with all the rules in this section in order to avoid losing eligibility. If your team should lose its eligibility, make sure you notify your Local League Office. They will take you off the list, which gives you an opportunity to win your eligibility again. Without notification, the League Office might pass eligibility on to the team that finishes behind you under the assumption that your team is still eligible. Once that’s done, it’s too late.


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advance at least one team. Areas with 12 to 19 teams will play off withanother area that has 12 to 19 teams from which one team will advance.Areas with 11 or fewer teams are not eligible to advance a team. Onlystandard 5-Person adult 8-Ball teams will count towards the minimum.

b. 9-Ball - If your League area has 14 or more standard 9-Ball Teamsparticipating in the final (Spring) session of the League year, then yourarea qualifies and may advance at least one team. Areas with eight to 13teams will play off with another area that has eight to 13 teams fromwhich one team will advance. Areas with seven or fewer 9-Ball teams arenot eligible to advance a team. Only standard 5-Person adult 9-Ball teamswill count towards the minimum.

2. SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPSThere must be 12 or more 8-Ball teams in an area in orderto qualify players for the 8-Ball Classic. There must be 12or more 9-Ball teams in an area in order to qualify playersfor the 9-Ball Shootout. Only standard 5-Person adult8-Ball or 9-Ball teams count towards the minimum.Other 8-Ball and 9-Ball format teams do not count.

B. TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

The APA National Team Championships are the largest and richest amateur championships in the sport. Unlike other leagues that either do not have a national championship, or who play by different rules in the national championship, this League plays by the same game rules, allows only eligible members to play, allows no all-star teams and uses and


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APA SinglesChampionships.

Scan to watch a video on APANational TeamChampionships.

if that player was on your team when you gained your eligibility. There will beno exceptions to this rule. If you are down to only four available players onyour roster, you will have to go to the Championship with only four playersand hope you can win three of the first four matches.

Make sure each player on your team has met the individual playerrequirements. Ineligible players will be removed from your roster and areineligible to participate. Ineligible players will not count for 23-Rule purposes.All roster changes for qualified teams must be made prior to the teamsubmitting their week four scoresheets. Once the fourth week of the SpringSession has passed, the rosters of all eligible teams are frozen. No one maybe dropped or added.

8. THE SKILL LEVEL YOU MUST PLAY WITHEvery player must enter Higher Level Tournaments (Local Level and up)with the highest session-ending handicap he had from the time his teambecame qualified to his Spring Session-ending handicap. Session-endinghandicaps are based on at least 10 actual League match scores in the format inwhich the player is advancing.

9. NUMBER OF SCORES YOUR HANDICAP MUST BE BASED ONIn order to go to Higher Level Tournaments, a player must have a skill levelbased on at least 10 actual League match scores in the format in which he isadvancing. The 10 scores must be attained by the end of the Spring Sessionin the League year corresponding to the Team Championship in which theplayer is advancing.

10. ADDING A NEW PLAYER TO A QUALIFIED TEAM IN THE SPRING SESSIONAny player being added to a team in the Spring Session that is qualified for the Local Team Championship must have a skill level


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4. YOU MUST REMAIN A CURRENT APA MEMBERLapsed APA membership means lapsed eligibility. If any of your teammatesare not available at renewal time, you must pay for them or they will bedropped from the roster and will become ineligible. Once dropped, they willnot be allowed to pay later and be back on the team except as a new member,meaning they have to join by the fourth week and play four times in the newsession. CAUTION—Notify the League Operator immediately if a player isaccidentally dropped from your roster. Otherwise, it will be too late.

5. YOUR TEAM MUST MAINTAIN ACTIVE TEAM STATUS Every eligible team must play the Spring Session to retain eligibility. If yourteam qualified in the summer, then you must sign up again and play both theFall and Spring Sessions in the League area in which you qualified. A teamthat qualifies in the fall must continue on and play in the spring in the Leaguearea in which you qualified.

6. 50% RULE FORQUALIFIED TEAMSSummer Session teams that qualify for the Local Team Championship mustfinish in the top half of their division in the subsequent Fall and SpringSessions of the current League year. Fall Session teams that qualify for theLocal Team Championship must finish in the top half of their division in thesubsequent Spring Session of the current League year. Teams that do notfinish in the top half of their division in the session(s) following qualificationare subject to heavy scrutiny of their handicaps and/or loss of eligibility.

7. YOUR SPRING ROSTER IS YOUR HIGHER LEVEL TOURNAMENT ROSTERYour actual spring roster will be the roster youmust play with when you enter the TeamChampionship. Your Local Team Championshipis part of the Team Championship. You cannotgo back and re-sign a player who used to playwith you in the fall or the previous summer, even


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The SpringSession roster ofeligible teams

cannot bechanged.

Example: A team that became eligible in the Fall Session begins the SpringSession with only three original members. It wins the outright 1st Placedivision title making everyone on the roster original. So a team that losteligibility because it did not have enough original players and forgot to notifythe League Office would only become eligible again by winning the divisiontitle in the Spring Session; whereas, if notification had been given, it might alsohave regained eligibility by finishing second behind a team already eligible.

15. 23-RULE IN EFFECTThe 23-Rule will be enforced. No team will be allowed to add a player to theroster for 23-Rule purposes. Teams that cannot meet the 23-Rule will not bedisqualified based on their inability to meet the 23-Rule. Instead, they will beallowed to play four players whose combined skill levels do not exceed 19,when the sum of the lowest five players listed on the roster exceeds 23, andforfeit the fifth match.

Just as in regular Session Playoffs, you must show that the players listed onyour roster could have made up a legal team if the match had gone the full fivematches. If the lowest five players listed on your 8-Ball division roster doexceed 23, your team will be playing with four players whose combined skilllevels do not exceed 19. Obviously, if a fifth match were required, your teamwould have to forfeit.

16. THE APA HAS THE OPTION TO DISQUALIFYANYTEAMIn order to conduct a fair and equal tournament for all APA players, APAmust ensure that all participants are playing at skill levels that are not belowtheir true ability. Handicap manipulation compromises the fairness and


based on at least 20 scores. If the player has fewer than 20 scores, that playermust be approved by your League Operator prior to being added to the roster.

11. NUMBER OF TIMES YOU MUST HAVE PLAYED WITH YOUR TEAMIn order to be considered a full-fledged member of a team and eligible to goto the National Championship with that team, a player must have played atleast four times with the team in the Spring Session. Local bylaws maystipulate additional eligibility requirements.

12. SKILL LEVELS UPDATEDIndividual skill levels may be adjusted by standard updating, by tournamentcommittee judgments, or by the APA National Handicap Review Committeeprior to and during all levels of Higher Level Tournament play.

13. ORIGINAL PLAYERSOriginal players (see ORIGINALITY described in Definitions) are thoseplayers who were on a team roster when the team gained its eligibility. Whena team gains eligibility, each player on the roster gains personal eligibility andhas originality. If a player quits an eligible team and later rejoins it accordingto the rules, he still has originality.

Example: Ted’s team wins the Summer Session. Ted drops off the team inthe Fall Session, but then rejoins it again in the Spring Session and plays fourtimes. He is still original.

14. TEAMS MUST RETAIN FOUR “ORIGINAL” MEMBERSIn order for a team to retain eligibility for Higher Level Tournaments, at leastfour members must be original members. A team that gains eligibility in theSummer Session must retain four original members in the Fall and SpringSessions. Originality is established by:

a. Being on a team when it became eligible; or

b. Joining an eligible team that finishes first (wins the division title).


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Skill levels of all team membersshould reflect their true ability.

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20. IDENTIFICATIONREQUIREMENTSALL PLAYERS MUST PRESENTCURRENT CERTIFIED POSITIVEPICTURE IDENTIFICATION IN THEFORM OF A STATE I.D. FROM THEIRSTATE OR PROVINCE OF RESIDENCE,A MILITARY I.D. OR A PASSPORT atHigher Level Tournaments. If you do not have a picture I.D. then you must obtain one through the state you live in prior to entering theevent. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you cannot provide positive picture I.D. youwill not be allowed to play.

21. DRESS CODE Proper attire must be worn at all times in and around the tournament site.The Tournament Director shall determine what is proper attire, and isresponsible for requiring the change of improper attire on the part of anycontestant. The dress code will be enforced.

22. TEAM NAMES AND TEAM SHIRTS Team names and shirts are customary and recommended for all League play,especially Higher Level Tournaments. All teams are urged to choose a teamname and design a team shirt that will create public respect for their team andthe League. Team names and shirts that are deemed to bring discredit to theLeague will not be allowed at Higher Level Tournaments.

23. SKILL LEVELRESTRICTIONS Players who have competed in previous Higher Level Tournaments will not beallowed to enter subsequent Higher Level Tournaments with lower skill levelsunless an appeal has previously been granted. The APA maintains a record ofall past tournament participants and makes updated lists available to LocalManagement for implementation on the Local Level.

24. INITIAL CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES BY LOCAL LEAGUE MANAGEMENT Your Local League Management has most of the Spring Session


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integrity of tournament play and cannot be tolerated. Accordingly, APA maydisqualify any team if, in APA’s sole judgment and absolute discretion, one ormore of its players are deemed by APA to be playing at a skill level below theirtrue ability. The determination of whether a player is playing at a skill levelbelow his or her true ability is necessarily subjective; APA is the sole judge of aplayer’s ability and may make such a determination in its absolute judgmentand discretion.

Disqualification will mean forfeiture of all titles, awards, prize money, and aminimum 2-year suspension from the League.

17. COACHING RESTRICTIONSThere will be some coaching restrictions.

18. NO MORE THAN EIGHT PLAYERS PER ROSTERA maximum of eight players will be accepted at Higher Level Tournaments.All eight players on the national roster must be the same players who were onthe local spring roster.

19. COMMON PLAYERS AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL OF THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPSA common player is defined as a player on more than one team. A team may have up to two players that are common with another team in the sameformat at the National Level of the Team Championships. A player may becommon on up to two teams in each format at the National Level of theTeam Championships. This means you may qualify on up to two 8-BallTeams and two 9-Ball Teams. If you qualify on more than two teams in anyformat you must choose which team rosters you will stay on prior to enteringthe National Level of the Team Championships.

Note:Matches will not be held up for players who are participating onmultiple teams.


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All players mustpresent pictureidentification.

26. TRAVEL ASSISTANCE POLICYAPA’s policy is that the Local League awards travel assistance to the teamadvancing from the Local Team Championship (LTC) to the APA NationalTeam Championship (NTC) Event held each August in Las Vegas, Nevada.The travel assistance fund paid by the Local League is not prize money andshould not be considered prize money.

Travel assistance is to offset some or all of the expenses of the team intraveling to and participating in the NTC. The travel assistance fund is to be split equitably among the team members going to Vegas. Proof of travelarrangements to the NTC is required.

NTC qualified teams that do not intend to participate in the Event are noteligible to receive Travel Assistance; in this situation, a runner-up team willnow be eligible to receive Travel Assistance and compete in the NTC. Inaddition, if one or more players on an NTC qualified team choose not toattend the Event, those team members will not be eligible to share in theTravel Assistance and awards.

27. APA IS HIGHEST AUTHORITYTo preserve the integrity of the Higher Level Tournament structure, the APA reserves the right to disqualify any player and/or team:

a. Whose certification packet appears to have been altered or containsirregularities that might give that player or team an unfair advantage; or

b. Where fraudulent circumstances of any nature are found to exist; or

c. Whose sportsmanship or conduct is deemed by the APA to potentiallybring discredit upon the tournament, the League or the sport.

APA is the highest authority concerning all tournament rulings. Its decisions are final.


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to review the rosters of the teams from your area who are getting ready to enterthe Team Championships. The Spring Session is over by the end of May andthe APA has asked League Operators to conduct the Local Level of the Team Championships no later than mid-June. Please expect your LeagueOperator/Board of Governors to review the skill levels of every player on everyteam before the Local Team Championship begins. Such a review will decreasethe chances of disqualification at a later time due to handicaps being too low.

25. TEAM CERTIFICATION PACKETThe League Operator will submit to the APA a certification packet for allteams qualifying for the National Level. Teams will not be allowed tocompete without a certification packet. Each player on the team contributesto this certification packet by signing the Team Certification Statement. Eachcertification packet must contain:

a. Each player’s handicap record.

b. All original scoresheets of the matches the team was involved in duringthe session it won and all subsequent sessions.

c. All original scoresheets of the matches the team was involved in duringthe Local Team Championship.

d. A certification statement signed by the League Operator.

e. A Team Certification Statement signed by every member of the team.Each member of the team is certifying on this form that, among otherthings, the skill levels on the team roster reflect the true ability of each of the players.

f. The team entry fee.

g. Team Registration Form.


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BALL-IN-HAND: Ball-in-hand is the term used to describe the advantagegranted to your opponent when you scratch or otherwise foul. Your opponent maychoose where to place the cue ball on the table before shooting any of his categoryof balls.

BANK SHOT: A bank shot is when a player drives the object ball to the cushionin the course of making the shot.

BREAK (Break Shot): Refers to the first shot of the game.

BRIDGE: Refers to the hand that holds and guides the cue shaft, also the type of hold. Also refers to a cue-like stick with a specially shaped plate mounted on theend or other such device that serves as a support for the cue when the shootercannot reach the spot where he would normally place his bridge hand.

BYE: A bye is a missing team on a schedule. Schedules are always set up toaccommodate an even number of teams. When there is an odd number of teams in a division, there will be a bye. For example, a 9-team division will be playing a 10-team schedule with one bye. If your team is scheduled to play a bye, that meansyou do not have a match on that occasion. A bye is a missing team or, in a singlesevent, individual.

CAROM: A term describing the glancing of one ball off another.

DEFENSIVE SHOTS: A Defensive Shot is a shot where the shooter deliberatelymisses so as to pass his turn at the table on to his opponent. It is a shot wherethere is no intent on the part of the shooter to pocket a ball of his category. Intent is the key word. (See UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVE SHOTS inthe General Rules section, and also see SAFETY in the Definitions section.)

DOUBLE HIT: A double hit is an illegal shot involving the tip of the cuestick coming into contact with the cue ball twice during the execution of a singleshot. This foul may occur through double clutching the cue ball, or in situationswhere the cue ball is nearly frozen to the object ball or rail. In the latterexample, the double hit often occurs due to the difficulty in moving the stickaway from the shot quickly enough to avoid the cue ball rebounding back intothe stick. In general, you can lessen your chances of committing this type offoul by hitting the cue ball into the object ball or rail at an angle, or by elevatingthe butt of your cue about 30 degrees. This automatically cuts down the lengthof the follow through which is the principal cause of a double hit.

Definitions

97

C. SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPSSince this manual is designed for team play, the 8-Ball Classic and 9-BallShootout will not be covered in any detail here. All of the rules pertaining tothese singles events are printed on the Local Qualifier Board for all entrants to read.

In general, you must be a current APA member to enter and maintainmembership throughout the course of the event(s). To enter, you must be on theroster of an active team in the format in which you are participating and remainso throughout the course of the event. You must be a member in good standing.Each League area must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order toadvance members to the singles events. For more details on these requirements,please contact your League Operator.

You enter with your skill level based on at least 10 actual League match scores in the format in which you are participating, all occurring within the last twoyears, and play by the same game rules you follow during team play. All the rules are printed on the Local Qualifier Board at the location where you chooseto enter.

Buying boards (meaning the Local Qualifier did not actually take place) isstrictly against the rules. Violators will face suspension or termination ofmembership. Since this could affect your team, make sure your teammatesunderstand the need for following the rules.

Note: For all APA Championships, the APA is the sole judge of a player’sability and may, at any time, raise a player’s skill level if the APA believes heis not playing up to his true ability.


96

10 current scores that have occurred in the last 2years and being on an active roster are required for

participation on a Local Qualifier Board.

JUMP SHOT: A jump shot is when the cue ball is struck with the cue tip ina downward fashion for the purpose of elevating or jumping the cue ball overan impeding object ball to achieve a legal hit. It is illegal and, therefore, afoul to jump a cue ball over another ball by cuing it up in the air (scooping)on purpose. See a local professional for more information concerning how tojump the cue ball legally. Although League rules do allow jump shots, theremay be Local Bylaws or individual “House Rules” in many locations limitingor prohibiting jump shots.

KICK SHOT: A kick shot is when a player drives the cue ball to a cushionbefore contacting the object ball.

LAG: Method used to start a match. Players simultaneously shoot a ballfrom behind the head string, banking it off the foot rail and back to the headof the table. Failure to strike the foot rail, or striking the side rails or anypocket results in loss of the lag. The closest ball to the head rail wins. It ispermissible to strike the head rail. If the lagged balls make contact with eachother or both players fail to strike the foot rail, re-lag.

LOCAL BYLAWS: Local Bylaws are additional rules, policies, andprocedures unique to an area. They are designed to cover local situations,such as exactly how the scoresheets are picked up and delivered, local Leaguetimes and the like. Local Bylaws also might cover specific situations, such as,how Tri-Cups or Qualifier Cups affect advancement into Higher LevelTournaments. Local Bylaws may also contradict portions of this manual,especially in the General Rules Section, but only with the approval of theAPA. Local Bylaws are normally written by the League Operator and theBoard of Governors.

MASSÉ SHOT: A massé shot is when a player attempts to curve the cue ball around a ball in order to strike an intended ball. A massé is accomplished by raising the butt end of the cue and using either right or left english. Even raising the butt end of the cue a little and using right or left english will cause the cue ball to curve a little. The more the cue is raised, the more the cue ball will curve. Extreme massé shots, improperly executed, can cause damage to pocket billiard equipment.Although League rules do allow massé shots, there may be Local Bylaws orindividual “House Rules” in many locations limiting or prohibiting massé shots.

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99

DRAW: A method of stroking that causes the cue ball to spin backwards aftercontact with an object ball. The cue’s tip must contact the cue ball below centerto cause the draw.

ENGLISH: A method of stroking that causes the cue ball to react to the rightor left after contact with an object ball or cushion.

ESTABLISHED SKILL LEVEL: Once a player has received at least 10 scoresin a format.

FOLLOW: A method of stroking that causes the cue ball to follow in the samedirection as the object ball when struck.

FOLLOW THROUGH: An important and desirable motion of the cuecarrying through the area previously occupied by the cue ball.

FOOT OF TABLE: The end not marked with the maker’s name plate, or ontables with ball returns, the end to which the balls return (see Diagram of Table).

FOOT SPOT: A spot placed in the exact center of an imaginary line drawnacross the pool table between the second diamonds from the foot rail (see Diagram of Table).

FOUL: An illegal shot resulting in loss of turn at the table and ball-in-hand forthe opponent.

FROZEN BALL: A frozen ball is a ball that is touching either another ball or arail. If it is touching another ball, it is frozen on that ball; if it is touching a rail,it is frozen on the rail.

HEAD OF TABLE: Opposite of the foot (see Diagram of Table).

HEAD STRING: The imaginary line drawn across the pool table between thesecond diamonds from the head rail (see Diagram of Table).

HILL-HILL MATCH: The point in match play where both players need onlyone more game to win.

INNING: A completed cycle that gives both players a turn at the table.

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98

PUSH SHOTS: A push shot involves a situation where the cue ball is frozen tothe object ball. The problem faced by the shooter is to keep from pushing orkeeping the tip of the cue on the cue ball. It looks bad and is generally thought ofas illegal. Push shots are controversial. Push shots will not be called in thisamateur League. Even the professional players cannot agree about what is andisn’t a push shot. In general, you can lessen your chances of being accused ofshooting a push shot by hitting the cue ball into the object ball at an angle, or byelevating the butt of your cue about 30 degrees. This automatically cuts down thelength of the follow through which is the principal cause of a push shot. Playerswho repeatedly guide the cue ball with force through object balls that are frozento the cue ball, using a level cue and long follow through, may be subject to asportsmanship penalty.

REGULAR SHOOTING CUE: Any standard pool cue designed to shoot themajority of shots in a game of pool.

SAFETY: A defensive action taken when a player either has no “makeable” or“high percentage” shot or chooses to leave his opponent in a difficult situation. It isa legal shot and is not considered to be dirty pool. A safety must still conform withthe rule concerning hitting the correct ball first and striking a rail afterwards. If acorrect ball is accidentally pocketed while playing safe, the shooter must continue toshoot. Players with integrity call their safeties. (See UNDERSTANDINGDEFENSIVE SHOTS in the General Rules section.)

SANDBAGGING: Sandbagging, in any handicapped sport, is the unethicalpractice of deliberately playing below your ability in order to alter your handicap soit does not reflect your true ability. There are a number of anti-sandbaggingmeasures in this League system. You can help by properly marking DefensiveShots during regular weekly play. (See UNDERSTANDING DEFENSIVESHOTS in the General Rules section.)

SCRATCH: Pocketing of the cue ball or driving the cue ball off the playingsurface and onto the floor.

SESSION: In the APA League, session refers to the season in which Leagueplay took place. There are three sessions in each League Year–Summer Session,Fall Session and Spring Session.

SPECIALTY CUES: Cues specially tailored to perform specific shots. Theseinclude, but are not limited to, jump cues, break cues, and jump-break cues(combination of jump cues and break cues).

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101

MISCUE: A miscue occurs when the cue’s tip does not hit the cue ballsquarely enough and glances off without driving the cue ball on its desiredcourse, often caused by not enough chalk on the tip, an improperly shaped tipor an attempt at too much English. Miscuing is not illegal unless the shooteris deliberately miscuing to scoop the cue ball over a ball that is in the shooter’sway. Sometimes a miscue may result in a foul because the cue ball was strucktwice or struck the 8-ball or one of the opponent’s balls first. It wasn’t themiscue that was a foul, however, it was the fact that the cue ball was strucktwice or struck the wrong category of balls that became the foul.

OBJECT BALL: The object ball is the ball you are trying to hit, or any otherball of your category.

ON THE HILL: Describes a player who needs to win only one more game towin their individual match

ORIGINALITY: Originality in this League system refers to originalmembers. Original members are those members who were on a team when itgained eligibility to the APA National Team Championship or won a divisiontitle. (Winning a division title means winning one of the Division Playoffsheld at the end of each session.) Original members are said to haveoriginality. An original member can lose originality if he quits a team, but cangain originality back by rejoining that same team in accordance with otherrules in this manual.

PUSH-OUT: The push-out was developed to take some of the luck out of pool. A player could protect his turn with a push-out. Although push-outs have been used more often in the past, currently, push-outs can only be used immediately after the break by the breaker if he pocketed a ball on the break, or by the incoming player if no balls were pocketed on the break. A player can elect to push-out if he doesn’t like the shot he is faced with. Pushing-out involves announcing the intent to push-out, and then shooting the cue ball to a new position. The shooter doesn’t need to satisfy the legal shot rule (driving a ball to a rail after a legal hit).

The shooter’s opponent then has the option to shoot from the new position ortell the shooter to take the shot. Normal game rules apply from that point on.Push-outs are fairly standard in pro events and in the APA Masters format and the U.S. Amateur Championships (conducted by the APA); however,APA rules for all handicapped competition does not allow push-outs becausethey give the more highly skilled player a big advantage, for obvious reasons.

Definitions

100

103

Previous Event WinnersDiagram of Table

102

FOOT END

HEAD END

SIDE OR LONG RAILS

SIDE OR LONG RAILS

SHORT OR END RAIL

FOOT SPOT

HEAD STRING

1981-1986National Team Champions 1981 Open 8-Ball Division: The Place II – St. Louis, MO1982 Open 8-Ball Division: Jimmy’s Bar – Sandusky, OH1983 Open 8-Ball Division: The Boulevard Club – Providence, RI1984 Open 8-Ball Division: Port Bar #1 – Columbus, OH1985 Open 8-Ball Division: The Place – Baltimore, MD1986 Open 8-Ball Division: John’s Café – New Castle, DE1986 Ladies Division: Jim Green’s Saloon – St. Louis, MO

1987-1989National Singles Champions 1987 Men’s Division: John Gureckis – Daytona Beach, FL1987 Ladies Division: Sandy Meadows – Cincinnati, OH1988 Men’s Division: Terry Young – Wichita, KS1988 Ladies Division: Judy Cox – Des Moines, IA1989 Men’s Division: Mike Bandy – Joliet, IL1989 Ladies Division: Tammy Blanton – Farmington, MO

National Team Champions 1987 Open 8-Ball Division: Three Star A – Warren, MI1987 Ladies Division: A.J. Gill – Oklahoma City, OK1988 Open 8-Ball Division: The Comets – Wyoming, MI1988 Ladies Division: Mike’s – Muskegon, MI1989 Open 8-Ball Division: Sheba’s III – East Peoria, IL1989 Ladies Division: Sharpshooters – Wilmington, DE

1990National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Robert Stovall – Norcross, GALadies Division: Linda Perna – Fostoria, OH

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Carl’s Cuers – Pittsburgh, PALadies Division: Homestead Ladies – Columbus, OH

1991National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Al Pepin – Auburn, MELadies Division: Renee Salvi – McKeesport, PA

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Burgundy Lounge – Ridley Park, PALadies Division: J.O.B’s – Stella – Madison, TN

1992National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Robert Stovall – Atlanta, GALadies Division: Terri Bucklin – Battle Creek, MI

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: All Winners – Pittsburgh, PALadies Division: Pro Billiards – Charlotte, NC

1993National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Mike Corbett – Oak Forest, ILLadies Division: Terri Stovall – Norcross, GA

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Gamesters – Oklahoma City, OKLadies Division: I’m Not Tellin’ – Spokane, WA

1994Sportsmanship AwardNational Team ChampionshipsCountry City U.S.A. – Charlotte, NC

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Robert Vallas – Peoria Heights, ILLadies Division: Debbie Teel – Tulsa, OK

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Spoilers – Cape Girardeau, MOLadies Division: Barney’s Babes – Hamilton, OH

U.S. Amateur ChampionRon Park – Charlotte, NC

1995Sportsmanship AwardNational Team Championships9-Ball Division: 9-Ball Express – New Orleans, LAOpen 8-Ball Division: Mr. Bigs I – Kensington, CT

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Howard Bachman – Baltimore, MDLadies Division: Akiko Taniyama – New York City, NY

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Syndicate – Marietta, GALadies Division: De-Terminators – Monticello, IL9-Ball Division: My Brother’s Pub II – Hilltown, PA

U.S. Amateur ChampionRichard Ross – Wilbraham, MA

1996Sportsmanship AwardNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Tips Ladies – Westwego, LA9-Ball Division: Tranquility – Baltimore, MDOpen 8-Ball Division: Mod Squad –Mississauga, ON

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Melvin Craig – Middletown, DELadies Division: Debbie Teel – Tulsa, OK

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Angie’s 8 – Independence, LALadies Division: Sandy’s Place – Jackson, MS9-Ball Division: Captain Rat – Cape Girardeau, MO

U.S. Amateur ChampionRichard Ross – Wilbraham, MA

1997Sportsmanship AwardNational Singles ChampionshipsAPA 8-Ball Classic: Patricia Spurgeon – Falls Church, VADon O’Neal – Terre Haute, IN

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: William Morton – Ft. Washington, MDLadies Division: Tammie Cox – East Peoria, IL

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Illusions – Oklahoma City, OKLadies Division: Wild Deuces – New Iberia, LA9-Ball Division: Interchange – Kent, WA

U.S. Amateur ChampionAaron Lodge – Santa Cruz, CA

1998Sportsmanship AwardNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Girls Night Out – Southampton, PA9-Ball Division: Susie’s – Golden, COOpen 8-Ball Division: Big Irish – Ajax, ON

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: George Kieselat – Lakewood, OHLadies Division: Sabra Beahn – St. Petersburg, FL

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104

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Trail’s Inn – Metropolis, ILLadies Division: O’s Casino – Bakersfield, CA9-Ball Division: Kopy Kats – Pekin, IL

U.S. Amateur ChampionHenry Brodt – Glenview, IL

1999Sportsmanship Award National Team ChampionshipsGentleman Jack Sportsmanship AwardLadies 8-Ball Division: Witchy Women – Spokane, WA9-Ball Division: Travelers – Bakersfield, CAOpen 8-Ball Division (Tie): Magnificent 7 –Olathe, KS & Irish Cue – Lake Norman, NC

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Ritchie Idrovo – Chicago, ILLadies Division: Pamela Burgon – Clinton, CT

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Bonzai – Oklahoma City, OKLadies Division: Sandy’s Place – Jackson, MS9-Ball Division: Yellowbellies – Edmonton, ONT

U.S. Amateur ChampionHenry Brodt – Glenview, IL

2000Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsGentleman Jack Sportsmanship Award Men’s Division: Andrew Cameron – Manhattan, NYLadies Division: Lisa Ingram – Huntsville, ALNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Fox’s Den – Des Moines, IA9-Ball Division: Top Heavy – Indialantic, FLOpen 8-Ball Division: Penny’s Game Cocks 1 – Soddy Daisy, TN

National Singles Champions Men’s Division: Jeff Sergent – Joliet, ILLadies Division: Lauren Ward – Valley Village, CA

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Lucky 7’s – Atlanta, GALadies Division: George’s Emotional Girls – Moore, OK9-Ball Division: Squeeze Inn II – San Antonio, TX

U.S. Amateur ChampionDavid Rowell – Birmingham, AL

2001Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsGentleman Jack Sportsmanship Award Jack Daniel’s Old No 7 9-Ball Shootout: Jennifer Malloy – Colorado Springs, CO

Camel 8-Ball ClassicDaniel Alba – San Fernando, CANational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Heart Breakers – Newark, DE9-Ball Division: Stric 9 – Seattle, WAOpen 8-Ball Division: Mad Cue Disease – New York, NY

National Singles Champions Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 9-Ball Shootout: Kathy Bundrick – Pelion, SC (Green Tier)Anita Hill – Norman, OK (White Tier)Richard Schmiegel Jr. – Saginaw, MI (Black Tier)Camel 8-Ball Classic: Linda Garcher – Silverton, OR (Blue Tier)Shawn Hubbert – Port Trevorton, PA (Yellow Tier)Stephen Miles – Martinez, GA (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Huly’s Hooligans – Cape Girardeau, MOLadies Division: Hustlers – Harvey, LA9-Ball Division: Silverfront – Athol, MA

U.S. Amateur ChampionRobert Hall – Meridianville, AL

2002Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Troy Still – Bridgeton, NJCamel 8-Ball Classic: Rick Pittman – Galatia, ILNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: WLTBO – Decatur, IL9-Ball Division: 9-Ball Black Sheep – Plymouth Meeting, PAOpen 8-Ball Division: Have Fear – Glen Burnie, MD

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Edie Dery – Foxboro, MA (Green Tier)Chris Abellera – Sunnyvale, CA (White Tier)Richard Schmiegel Jr. – Bay City, MI (Black Tier)Camel 8-Ball Classic: Mike Davie – New York, NY (Blue Tier)Chris Kuk – New Lenow, IL (Yellow Tier)Jeff Sergent – Joilet, IL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: It’s Like a Nightmare – San Diego, CALadies Division: V3’s – Louisville, KY9-Ball Division: Fava Bean – Hamden, CT

U.S. Amateur ChampionJames Henson – Alexandria, VA

2003Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Michelle Billodeaux – Shreveport, LAAPA 8-Ball Classic: Bill Carlucci – Audubon, NJNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: R-Girls – Huntington Beach, CA9-Ball Division: 9 and Out – Goose Creek, SCOpen 8-Ball Division: Arena Billiards – Little Rock, AR

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Michael Richards – McCook, NE (Green Tier)Michael Mason Jr. – Indianapolis, IN (White Tier)Richard Schmiegel – Saginaw, MI (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Emery Sims – Ocoee, FL (Blue Tier)Rama Ukperaj – Bellmore, NY (Yellow Tier)Scott Tollefson – Arvada, CO (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Pool Time Grill – Baton Rouge, LALadies Division: V3’s – Louisville, KY9-Ball Division: Lumberjacks – Independence, LA

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Bruce Choyce – Orlando, FLWomens Division: Tina Larsen – Palatine, IL

2004Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Shannon Porter – Panacea, FLAPA 8-Ball Classic: Richard West – Knoxville, TNNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Dream Team – San Antonio, TX9-Ball Division: Nina’s – Terre Haute, INOpen 8-Ball Division: Racketeers – Robertsdale, AL

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Heather Bielan – Sebastian, FL (Green Tier)Rex Swett – Lakewood, CO (White Tier)Frank Almanza – Upland, CA (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Jim Yorke – Brampton, ON (Blue Tier)Kevin Belknap – Sherwood, AR (Yellow Tier)David Weaver – Broken Arrow, OK (Purple Tier)


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106

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Terry’s All Stars – Topeka, KSLadies Division: George’s Emotional Girls – Moore, OK9-Ball Division: 2HRD2HNDL9 – Moore, OK

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: David Hall – Scarborough, MEWomens Division: Phyllis Fernandez – Spokane, WA

2005Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Tanya Brown – Monrovia, CAAPA 8-Ball Classic: Mike Miller – Marcus Hook, PA

National Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Parkway Billiards – Chattanooga, TN9-Ball Division: Got Game – Bakersfield, CAOpen 8-Ball Division: The Sidewinders – Jacksonville, FL

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Linda Huynh – Norton, MA (Green Tier)Jerry Eggleston, Jr. – Cocoa, FL (White Tier)Brian Parks – Bakersfield, CA (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Joey Jordan – Tallahassee, FL (Blue Tier)Timothy Baker – Conway, AR (Yellow Tier)Zane Edgens – Gurnee, IL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: LC’s – San Antonio, TXLadies Division: The Faithfuls – Augusta, GA9-Ball Division: Lights Out – Oklahoma City, OK

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Pete Genovese – New Britain, CTWomens Division: Karen Armstrong – Bear, DE

2006Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Megann Barrette –Chapel Hill, NCAPA 8-Ball Classic: Kim Steinle – Mansfield, TX

National Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Girls Got Game –Clovis, CA9-Ball Division: The Pen Inmates –Huntington Beach, CAOpen 8-Ball Division: Cue Jerseys –Ontario, Canada

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Andrea De Rossett –Woodstock, GA (Green Tier)Lee Cox – Richmond, VA (White Tier)Brian Parks – Bakersfield, CA (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Ron Schippert – Las Vegas, NV (Blue Tier)Armando Leal – San Antonio, TX (Yellow Tier)Robert Hall – Huntsville, AL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Bankers and Snookers –Topeka, KSLadies Division: Fire House Saloon – Morton, IL9-Ball Division: 7 Gods and a Frog – Lowell, MA

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Bill McCollim – Freedom, PAWomens Divison: Michell Monk – Palm Bay, FL

2007Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Kato Lin –Chatsworth, CAAPA 8-Ball Classic: David Fritts – Moutain City, TN

National Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: 8-Up – Fairfield, OH9-Ball Division: Broadway Bullies –Gloucester, NJOpen 8-Ball Division: Gator Haters –Chattanooga, TN

109

Previous Event Winners Previous Event Winners

108

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Susan Cherkowsky –Lakeland, FL (Green Tier)Karl Lavergne – Kenosha, WI (White Tier)Jose Garcia – San Antonio, TX (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Jada Monroe –Accokeek, MD (Blue Tier)Diane Romano – Orlando, FL (Yellow Tier)Jeff Sergent – Joliet, IL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Have Fear –Glen Burnie, MDLadies Division: Refuse to Lose – Arlington, VA9-Ball Division: The Way We Were – Trenton, NJ

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Jason Richko – Trinity, FLWomens Divison: Tina Larsen – Palatine, IL

2008Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Dan Rogers –Port St. Lucie, FLAPA 8-Ball Classic: Chris Lockridge - Helena, AL

National Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Late Bloomers – Atlanta, GA9-Ball Division: The Bandit’s – Leesville, LAOpen 8-Ball Division: 8-Ball Busters – Bradenton, FL

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Laura Vancura –Austin, TX (Green Tier)Aaron Welter – Sorrento, FL (White Tier)Roger Lites - Belcher, LA (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Teresa Spencer - Mooresville, NC (Blue Tier)Bob Smith - Kankakee, IL (Yellow Tier)Christopher Miller - Lafayette, LA (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Westside – Kankakee, ILLadies Division: Clean Slates – Maple Shade, NJ9-Ball Division: Oh Shot – Gastonia, NC

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Travis Gunn – Hewitt, TXWomens Division: Amy Chen – Norcross, GA

2009Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Richard Benes –Palmetto, FLAPA 8-Ball Classic: Kevin Jones - Fontana, CANational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Killer Instincts – Stillwater, OK9-Ball Division: Remix – Huntington Beach, CAOpen 8-Ball Division: Sewer Rats – Newtonville, ONT

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Dustin Harwood –Sumner, WA (Green Tier)Nicolas Reyna – Lincoln Park, MI (White Tier)Kenneth Brisbon – Oxford, MI (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Brent Bratcher – Louisville, KY (Blue Tier)Donnie Richardson – Beersheba, TN (Yellow Tier)Chris Frazao – Trumbull, CT (Red Tier)David Rowell – Birmingham, AL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: No English - Bridgeport, CTLadies Division: Let It Ride - Bakersfield, CA9-Ball Division: Shoot ‘Em Down - Waterloo, SC

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Brian Parks – Bakersfield, CAWomens Division: Betty Sessions – Conyers, GA

2010Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Amy Nevills – Waxhaw, NCAPA 8-Ball Classic: Victoria Clayton – Dry Fork, VA

National Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: Not Jo Momma – Stuart, FL9-Ball Division: Six Shooters – Hesperia, CAOpen 8-Ball Division: Shooting Stars – Gainesville, FL

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Tina Johnson – Fayetteville, NC (Green Tier)Angel Palomarez – Tucson, AZ (White Tier)Nelson Montierth – Longmont, CO (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Davis Lastrapes – Macon, GA (Blue Tier)Anthony Marseco Jr. – Luzerne, PA (Yellow Tier)Craig Feyler – Dover, DE (Red Tier)Raymond Procell – Coushatta, LA (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Chumba’s All Stars – Topeka, KSLadies Division: Don’t Need a Man – Bessemer City, NC9-Ball Division: The Fort – Baltimore, MD

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Raymond Linares – Miami, FL Womens Division: Amy Chen – Norcross, GA

2011Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Miguel Rodriguez – Ocala, FLAPA 8-Ball Classic: Jim Legothetis – Pekin, ILNational Team ChampionshipsLadies 8-Ball Division: On the Snap Dragons – Ankeny, IA9-Ball Division: Twisted – Little Rock, AROpen 8-Ball Division: Call Us Shorty – Iberia, LA

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Nicole Goin – Danville, IL (Green Tier)Troy Cooper – Anoka, MN (White Tier)Alex Olinger – Kettering, OH (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Duane Green – Willingboro, NJ (Blue Tier)Patrick Wheeler – Manhattan, IL (Yellow Tier)Michael Jaeck – Whitehouse, OH (Red Tier)Steve Knoll – Sarasota, FL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: English Crooks – Bridgeport, CTLadies Division: Snook Hers – Arlington, VA9-Ball Division: Now What – Dayton, OH

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Ernesto Bayaua – Houston, TXWomens Division: Suzanne Smith – Edgewood, WA

Index

110 111

8-Ball Classic, 19-21, 86Also See Higher Level Tournament

8-on-the-Break, 48, 59-609-Ball Shootout, 19-21, 86

Also See Higher Level Tournaments9-on-the-Snap, 66, 69, 7223-Rule, 37-39, 41, 63, 91Adding Players, 30-32, 88-89

During a Session, 30-32, 88-89Age Requirements, 23, 75-76Appeals, 45Ball-in-hand, 50-54, 68

Also See FoulsDefinition, 97Placement of Cue Ball, 51-53

After Break8-Ball, 479-Ball, 66

Board of Governors, 14Break Cues, 43Breaking, 46, 66

After the Break8-Ball, 47

Open Table, 489-Ball, 66-67

Legal/Illegal8-Ball, 46-479-Ball, 66

Byes, 23-24, 42Definition, 97

Certification, 93-94Also See Higher Level Tournament

Championships - See TournamentCoaching

8-Ball, 29-309-Ball, 64Fouls, 52-53, 68Placement of Cue Ball, 30, 53Restrictions

8-Ball, 29-30, 539-Ball, 64

Combination Shots8-Ball, 499-Ball, 67

Conduct, 81-84Dead Balls, 67, 72Defensive Shots, 34

8-Ball, 609-Ball, 72Definition, 97Sandbagging, 35, 62, 74

Definition, 101 Defensive Shots/Safeties, 60, 72

Also See SafetyDisqualification, 36, 91, 95Division, 13Division Representatives, 13

DrawDefinition, 98

Dropping Players, 30-31, 88-89Eligibility

Higher Level Tournament, 85-87Playoffs, 39-40

EnglishDefinition, 98

Equipment, 43Etiquette, 7Fees

Membership, 15-16Transferability, 15

Renewals, 15-16, 33Section on Scoresheet, 61Trophy/Award Fund, 17Weekly Fees, 16

FollowDefinition, 98

Follow ThroughDefinition, 98

Forfeits, 24Also See Scoring

Formats, 18, 758-Ball, 469-Ball, 633-Person Team Divisions, 799-Ball, 63Junior Divisions, 75Ladies Divisions, 76Masters Divisions, 78Open Division, 37Super Divisions, 79

FoulsBall-in-hand

8-Ball, 50-549-Ball, 68Definition, 97

Coaching, 52-53, 68Definition, 98Double Hit, 51

Definition, 97Good Hit/Bad Hit, 51

Frozen BallDefinition, 98Foul, 52

Gambling, 23Game Rules

8-Ball, 469-Ball, 63, 65

Games You Must Win Also See Skill Levels

Handicap Advisory Committee, 14Handicap Manipulation, 36Handicap System, 36

8-Ball, 559-Ball, 69


2012Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Jina Watterworth – Lapeer, MIAPA 8-Ball Classic: Mike Tucci – Fresno, CA

National Team Champions Ladies 8-Ball Division: Short & Sweet Divas – West Monroe, LA9-Ball Division: 1-Ball At a Time – Chapel Hill, NCOpen 8-Ball Division: TFF – Onaka Pan Pan – Tokyo, Japan

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: James Rockwell – Columbus, NJ (Green Tier)Mike Sousa – Norton, MA (White Tier)Dustin Morris – Minneapolis, MN (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Connie Kraft – East Peoria, IL (Blue Tier)Patrick Porter – Burlington, NJ (Yellow Tier)Joseph Magsaysay – Jackson, MO (Red Tier)Cary Cass – Miami, FL (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Hate “Joey”. Not Us – Trenton, NJLadies Division: I’m a 7 at Drinkin’ – Matthews, NC

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Brian Parks – Bakersfield, CAWomens Division: Tammie Jones – Muncie, IN

2013Sportsmanship Award National Singles ChampionshipsAPA 9-Ball Shootout: Daniel Praty – San Diego, CAAPA 8-Ball Classic: Michael Andrew – Oshawa, ON

National Team ChampionsLadies 8-Ball Division: Shooting Stars – Toronto, ON9-Ball Division: Double Trouble – Montgomery, ALOpen 8-Ball Division: Tex Mex – Oxnard, CA

National Singles Champions APA 9-Ball Shootout: Tom Williamson – Billerica, MA (Green Tier)Eddie Conklin, Jr. – Bayonne, NJ (White Tier)David Apollos – Gallatin, TN (Black Tier)APA 8-Ball Classic: Faith Rubin – Fayetteville, NC (Blue Tier)Steven Davis – Minneapolis, MN (Yellow Tier)David Templeton – Jackson, MO (Red Tier)Dustin Gunia – Omaha, NE (Purple Tier)

National Team Champions Open 8-Ball Division: Gators – Shreveport, LALadies Division: Boobie Trap – Gambrills, MD9-Ball Division: Pool Mafia – Lake Worth, FL

U.S. Amateur ChampionsMens Division: Brian Parks – Bakersfield, CAWomens Division: Dana Aft – Atlanta, GA

112

Higher Level Tournaments (HLTs), 85-96Assignment of Skill Levels, 83, 93Certification, 93-94Championships

Eligibility, 20, 85-91, 96Qualifier Boards/Singles Board, 19-21, 96Singles Championships, 19-21, 86, 96

8-Ball Classic, 19-219-Ball Shootout, 19-21Local Level, 20-21, 86Number of Times You Must Play, 96Skill Level You Must Play With, 89

Spring Roster, 88-89Team Championships, 19, 85-86

8-Ball Open Division, 859-Ball Open Division, 86Common Players, 92Qualified Teams/Players, 88

How to Lose8-Ball, 53-54

How to Win8-Ball, 549-Ball, 68-69

Identification, 28, 93Innings, 35-36

Definition, 98Scoring

8-Ball, 59-609-Ball, 71

Jump Cue, 43Jump Shot

Definition, 99Lag/Lagging

8-Ball, 46, 589-Ball, 65, 71Definition, 99

Local Bylaws, 17Definition, 99

Lowest Attainable Rule, 37Marking the Pocket, 29, 46, 54Marking the Table, 30, 50Masse’ Shot

Definition, 99Miscue

Definition, 100National Championships

Singles, 19, 86, 96Team, 18, 85-95

National Lowest Attainable (NLA), 37Also See Skill Levels

Originality, 90-91Definition, 100

Playoffs, 39-42Eligibility, 41-42, 87-88

Protest/Dispute, 25-27Push-out, 67

Definition, 100Push shot

Definition, 101Qualified Teams/Players - See TournamentQualifier Board/Singles Board - See TournamentRacking

8-Ball, 469-Ball, 65

Regular Shooting Cue, 43Definition, 101

SafetyAlso See Defensive ShotsDefinition, 101

SandbaggingDefinition, 101

Scoring 8-Ball, 17, 58-62

Defensive Shots/Safeties, 35-36, 60Forfeits, 24-25Games Must Win Chart, 57Innings, 35-36, 59-60Match Points Earned Chart, 61Protests, 25-27Scoresheet, 58Skill Levels, 37-39

9-Ball, 68-74Dead Balls, 72Defensive Shots/Safeties, 72 Forfeits, 64Innings, 35-36, 71, 73Match Points Earned Chart, 73Point System, 72Points Must Win Chart, 70Protests, 25-27

Senior Skill Level Limits9-Ball, 63

Skill Levels8-Ball, 30-31, 33, 37-39, 55-57

Games Must Win Chart, 579-Ball, 69-70

Points Must Win Chart, 70Assignment of

By APA, 90By League Operator, 34, 56, 69-70

Lowest Attainable, 37National Lowest Attainable (NLA), 37

Manipulation of, 36Also See Handicap System

New Players8-Ball, 30-31, 33, 38, 569-Ball, 33, 69

Reporting Discrepancies, 36Splitting Matches, 28-29Sportsmanship, 44, 81-84

Follow-up Actions, 83Immediate Action, 82Physical Contact, 81Verbal Abuse, 82

Spotting Balls8-Ball, 499-Ball, 67-68

Stalemated Games8-Ball, 519-Ball, 68

Team Captains, 13Time-outs

8-Ball, 30, 599-Ball, 64

Trophies and Awards, 17Wild Card Teams, 39

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